When it comes to raising money for a good cause, Missouri’s own Tom Brand, KFEQ, is leading the way. Tom started the Show Me Tractor Cruise to raise funds for Camp Quaility, Northwest Missouri. He’s been doing it since 2003. This year’s event will be held June 28th.
The first Show-Me Tractor Cruise began in 2003. We decided to make the ride a benefit for Camp Quality of Northwest Missouri. Our expectation was for 35 – 50 tractors to make the ride the first year, with the thought of raising $5000 as a good goal. Well, the idea for that first ride grew rapidly, as 87 tractors came the first year to take part in the ride. We started in the community of Guilford (population 87) and continued into Conception Junction, Ravenwood, Hopkins, Pickering, Maryville and Barnard before returning back to Guilford. With the efforts of all the drivers, communities and the matching gift of an anonymous donor that first year, we raised $35,000 jointly for Camp Quality. It was the largest fund-raiser ever for Camp Quality Northwest Missouri and for any Camp Quality in the nation!
The event has received national attention and in fact is slated to receive support from Oprah.
Oprahs Big Give is coming to St. Joseph, pledging $10,000 to match the first $10,000 raised by drivers and riders of the Show-Me Tractor Cruise.
Tom’s idea is catching on as Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill, Buckeye Ag Radio Network, have set up the first Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise which will also support Camp Quality.
The Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise will take place in scenic Auglaize and Mercer Counties on Saturday, July 26th. The approximately 40-mile tour will take drivers through the scenic area near Grand Lake St. Marys and past beautiful farms in the countryside. It will also include a stop at the Whitney Educational Farm to tour their amazing museum that houses farm equipment restored to mint condition from as far back as 1905. Drivers will also enjoy watching local antiques and classics participate in a plowing demonstration.
Sounds like Tom has a great franchise operation started.