Pullin’ for a Cause returns June 6 to Carroll County Fairgrounds
Donations and puller registrations underway for annual fundraiser
Tammy Sprankle, left, of Pullin’ for a Cause, Taylor Cooper, corporation gift officer for Akron Children’s Hospital, and Maryann Smith of Pullin’ for a Cause gather with Randi Bake, owner of Reminisce Ice Cream Parlor, and Mary Ann and Jim Fisher, owners of The Downtown Alley Shop, April 15 in Carrollton to support the Pullin’ for a Cause fundraiser benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital.
Connie Jenkins
The sixth annual Pullin’ for a Cause truck and tractor pull will return to the Carroll County Fairgrounds Saturday, June 6, with proceeds once again benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital.
Gates open at 3 p.m., with the pull beginning at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, which includes parking and grandstand seating. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
The event, hosted by the Carroll County Agricultural Society, has grown steadily since its start in 2019, when a small group of friends organized the pull as a way to give back to the community and support families in need.
Since then, the fundraiser has raised and donated a total of $386,327 to Akron Children’s Hospital, supporting its neonatal intensive care and burn units. Organizers said the event has continued to build momentum each year through strong community support and participation.
The event will feature a variety of truck and tractor pulling classes, including 12,500-pound Tough Farm, 6,500-pound 6000 RPM V-8 tractors, 9,500-pound street diesel trucks and 6,800-pound unlimited open farm entries. Additional classes include 6,200-pound Appalachian Outlaws BBHO trucks, 7,700-pound classic super stock tractors, 10,000-pound Appalachian Outlaw farm tractors and a 9,500-pound open class.
Pullers can participate for a $25 hook fee, with payouts awarded to five places and a total purse of $1,800.
In addition to the pulls, the evening will include a 50/50 drawing and a live auction of donated items. Food vendors will also be on site, and event merchandise such as T-shirts and hats will be available.
Following last year’s event, Taylor Cooper, special events coordinator for Akron Children’s Hospital, said the fundraiser continues to make a meaningful impact on families served by the hospital.
“Watching the Pullin’ for a Cause crew come together to raise so much money for the NICU and burn unit reminds me every year that there are still people who just want to do good for the right reasons,” Cooper said. “They may not realize the impact they have on so many kids and families, but we are incredibly grateful for their continued support.”
Organizers said the event continues to draw support from local sponsors, volunteers and attendees who contribute to its success each year.
Pullin’ for a Cause was created with the goal of helping families in the region, many of whom have been impacted by the services provided by Akron Children’s Hospital.
Organizers noted that no alcohol will be permitted on the grounds during the event.
Maryann Smith, who helps coordinate donations for the event, said the fundraiser has also helped build strong connections within the community.
“I’ve made a lot of friends and met a lot of generous people,” Smith said.
She added that donations are accepted year-round to support the cause and can be arranged by calling 330-704-6068.
For more information or to register to pull, contact Greg at 330-323-1140 or Bud at 330-704-6080.