The United Way was honored to have 44 tractors in the Lead the Way Tractor Cruise this fall. It was a festive day throughout the county to celebrate Darke County’s Heritage. Along with the Tractor Cruise, there were Days of Harvest, the Gourd Show and Prairie Days to enjoy throughout the weekend. The board of directors and staff at the United Way appreciated the crowd that came out to watch the tractors. The crowd enjoyed seeing tractors of all makes and models including John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Massey Harris, Farmall, Ford, Case, Co-Op, Cockshutt, Allis Chalmers, and a Chevy Doodlebug. The parade was led by James O’Connor in his nice red and gray Ford. The tractors paraded through the streets to benefit Darke County United Way’s 27 non-profit programs supporting initiatives to strengthen education, health, and stability for the community.
The tractor cruise participants collected sponsorships and raised $3720.50 for the United Way, an increase of $200 over last year. With the help of the United Way board of directors & staff, and many friends, family, and volunteers it was a successful and fun day celebrating tractors, agriculture and charity. Prizes were given out to participants including: 1st, 2nd and 3rd most pledges raised and earliest registrant, as well as many door prizes.
Jean Young raised the most pledges for the 7th Annual Tractor Cruise. The United Way board of directors wants to thank our lead sponsors including The Andersons Ethanol, Cornerstone Construction, The Farmers State Bank, Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln Mercury, Medicine & More, SISCO, and Greenville Farm Power of the Past.
The board would also like to thank the following businesses for donating items and time to this event including Greg Peck, Darke County Agricultural Society, Kroger, Eikenberry’s, City of Greenville, Marco’s Pizza, Miami Valley Vending Services, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Koenig, North Star Hardware & Implement, Arcanum Hardware, Little Italian Café, Double M Diner, Keller Grain & Feed, Aultman’s Produce, Fairlawn, Farmer Brown, and McDonalds. Thank you to all of our drivers, families, volunteers, sponsors and spectators for bringing us even closer to our goal of $360,000.
This tractor cruise event is a tribute to the heart of this community, agriculture, and giving back to those in need in our county. The United Way served over 19,000 local residents last year. Now more than ever your donation is needed. Mail donations to Darke County United Way, 207 E Fourth St, PO Box 716, Greenville, Ohio 45331, call 937-547-1272, or give online at www.darkecountyunitedway.org and brighten someone’s future today!