Show-Me Tractor Cruise Selected As Part of ABC’S Oprah’s Big Give

Local version of ‘Big Give’ Challenges Drivers and Businesses to Help Camp Quality of Northwest Missouri

(St. Joseph, Missouri)  Oprah’s 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.  The Show-Me Tractor Cruise is a day-long parade of antique and classic tractors that raises funds for Camp Quality of Northwest Missouri, a summer camp experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.

The Show-Me Tractor Cruise was nominated by St. Joseph ABC affiliate KQTV to be part of a local version of Oprah’s Big Give which airs Sundays at 8 pm.  “When we heard ABC and Oprah’s Big Give wanted to be involved in local projects across the country, we were excited about the possibility of being a part of the Big Give,” said Tom Brand, Tractor Cruise organizing committee member.  “This matching pledge from ABC will make a huge difference in our donation to Camp Quality of Northwest Missouri.  We’re hoping this pledge in the spirit of Oprah’s Big Give will encourage drivers and area businesses to be a part of a project that will put the national spotlight on Camp Quality and focus attention on our area communities.”

On ABC’s Oprah's Big Give, a diverse group of ten people from all walks of life are challenged to change the lives of complete strangers.  In an intense eight-week competition, the contestants criss-cross the country, giving away hundreds of thousands of dollars to unsuspecting people who are in for the surprise of their lives.  This local version of Oprah’s Big Give will encourage Tractor Cruise drivers to solicit pledges from friends, family, neighbors and local businesses.  “We really think we can grow this $10,000 pledge from ABC and Oprah’s Big Give into a bigger amount if everyone will get involved.  If people will follow the examples they’ve seen on the show, they will realize it’s the group effort of people working together that can make a difference.  If people know a driver, or just want to be involved in part of something big, we invite them to get involved.”

The 2008 Show-Me Tractor Cruise will start at Derr Equipment outside of Savannah on June 28th, traveling through Rosendale and Savannah before stopping at Krug Park in St. Joseph for lunch.  The lunch break will provide an opportunity for those who want to see the tractors lined up and to make additional donations.  After lunch, tractors and drivers will continue their route through northern St. Joseph on the Parkway, then continue north through Amazonia before returning back to Derr Equipment to wrap up the day with a pork barbecue supper that’s opened to the public.

The Show-Me Tractor Cruise began in 2003 with nearly 90 tractors and drivers joining the cause for Camp Quality.  The ride has continued to grow since the first year, with over 350 drivers participating in 2007 and more than 1300 drivers participating since the drive began.  Serving the needs of area children for 23 years, Camp Quality is a summer camp and year-round support program for children with cancer, held annually at Camp Farwesta near Stewartsville.

To learn more about the Show-Me Tractor Cruise, watch KQ2 for details on fundraising events and ways to get involved.

Click the St. Joe Channel logo to see coverage of Oprah's Big Give from KQTV-2.