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Pull success: FFA Booster Club raises 10K

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On Oct. 22, the Marshfield FFA Booster Club hosted its first annual Truck and Tractor Pull.

The first hook for participants was covered by Thornton Masonry. It was apparent that was enough to get participants “hooked”. Over 200 hooks, were completed, with the last hook finishing up at 3 am.

“For our first annual truck and tractor pull we had over 200 hooks, which that means over 200 pulls that night which exceeded our goal,” Sarah Lowe, FFA Booster Club President exclaimed. “It turned out really, really well”.

Not only was the turnout of participants successful, but the fundraiser’s efforts were too. The FFA Booster Club received over $22,000 in sponsorships and raised $10,000 that night alone.

Funds raised for the event will be used towards FFA students’ efforts and needs. Those include scholarships, SAE projects, financial assistance, travel costs, the purchase of a “blue” FFA jacket and more.

“We’re going to take that money and we’re going to be able to give scholarships for students,” Lowe commented.

Scholarships will be available to both graduating and underclassmen FFA students.

“We will offer for both the exiting Marshfield graduates, going on to college or into their career path, but we’re going to also offer scholarships to the underclassmen that need help with their placement program… We’ll be able to give grants and scholarships to underclassmen so they can participate where maybe before they couldn’t.”

The FFA Booster Club made the night even sweeter with the help of Wayne Galbraith. Galbraith has been voicing truck and tractor pulls in the state of Missouri over the last 50 years.

To honor him, the Booster Club gifted him an official plaque for his support and dedication to the pulling community which was accompanied by a speech by Tatum Manary.

“…He got his start in announcing by accident at the Ozark Empire Fair in 1968 when they hosted their first tractor pull. When the association arrived to put on the pull, they learned the fair provided the PA system but no announcer. Wayne stepped up to the plate to announce and he has been behind the mic ever since… During his time announcing, he coined many famous lines such as “Got it to there,” “Gets heavy out there,” and “local pick-up puller”. He helped form the first Southern Missouri Pulling Association with the help of Kenny Davis, Bill Stacey, William Medlock, Ralph Vineyard, my great-grandpa James Herold Vestal, and many more. Which made pulling a tradition in this area…” shared Manary as Galbraith received his plaque.

This honor came as a total shock to Galbraith.

“What in the world was going on,” Galbraith thought as he made his way to the pulling arena to receive the honor.

“I felt honored, I really did.”

When asked if this was the relaunch of his announcing career, Galbraith responded with “ That night was my retirement party.”

The night’s success is owed to the countless hours given by numerous people, including Matt Manary and Randall Hathcock.

“A special thanks to Matt Manary and Randall Hancock… they put an enormous amount of time into organizing this and helping us execute the events,” Lowe said.

A big thanks also go to those in attendance according to Lowe, especially the pulling participants.

“There was no prize money. Pullers were coming knowing they were going to pay hook fees, knowing there was no prize money involved, but just showing up because this was a fundraiser.”

When asked if the event will be repeated next year, it wasn’t a matter of “if” but “when”. However, a date has yet to be determined.

Keep a close watch on the Marshfield FFA Booster Club for future events.

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