(Mazeppa, MN) The first annual Jesse “Twig” Barden Memorial Benefit is being held Saturday, June 26th in Mazeppa, Minnesota at Leo’s Sports Bar. The event will include a Motorcycle & Classic Car Fun Run, Silent Auction, Dinner, Music, Door Prizes a display by the Xtreme Eagle monster truck and much more.

Jesse Robert “Twig” Barden, age 23, of Mazeppa, MN / Elizabeth City, NC, died in a jet ski accident on June 29, 2009 in North Carolina. Jesse enjoyed many things with family and friends, but ultimately he lived his dream by working in the world of Professional Monster Truck Racing. Starting from Track Crew at age 16 and working his way up to crew chief duties for Monster Jam’s Air Force Afterburner and driver Damon Bradshaw, Taz with Adam Anderson and Dennis Anderson’s Grave Digger in Europe, Jesse traveled the United States amd 18 European countries. Jesse earned several Monster Jam Awards, most recently, MVP & Crew Chief of the Year.

In honor of his life, in remembrance of his achievements, and with the hope to carrying on his vision, we invite you to be a part of our efforts in raising money for the “Jesse Barden Mechanic Scholarship Fund”, and the Make a Wish Foundation. Registration is $20 per person. This includes ride, which covers 120-150 miles ending back at Leo’s, memorial wrist band, dinner, door prizes, music, silent auction, Xtreme Eagle monster truck display & more!

For schedule updates and further information, please visit www.OurJesseBarden.Com. This is a “Rain or Shine” event. Those participating in fun run: Registration begins at 11:00 at Leo’s- return to Leo’s by 5:30. Silent Auction runs from 11am to 6pm. Food served from 5:30-7:00pm and music following.

If you wish to make a donation, please contact Joanne Barden at 507-250-2471, or through email at Joanne@ourjessebarden.com. Contact can also be made to Jesse’s sister, Charise Mehrkens at 507-250-1071, or by email at CnMehrkens@gmail.com. We are also accepting donations for the silent auction. More information can be found on www.OurJesseBarden.com.