Akron hospital’s largest community fundraiser adds over $68,000 to total

Officials for the local group known as Pullin for a Cause recently presented a check for $68,926.80 to Akron Children’s Hospital, representing proceeds from the 2024 tractor pull.

Maryann Smith, who along with her husband, Bud, head up the annual event, was on hand for the presentation along with pull volunteers Jennifer Cramer and Greg Young. The check was presented to Taylor Cooper, special events coordinator for Akron Children’s Hospital, at the Carroll County Fairgrounds. The pull was held there on June 1. The event consists of a tractor pull, the sale of Pullin for a Cause t-shirts and a live auction the night of the event.  

“Pullin for a Cause is Akron Children’s largest community fundraiser,” said Cooper. “Since I started in 2022, I have never met a group of people who work so hard to give so much and expect so little in return. The reason I work for Akron Children’s is to help the kiddos and families who need it most but also to get opportunities such as Pullin for a Cause to meet and work alongside of such wonderful people who do such kind things with no intentions to receive any recognition in return. It’s a crazy world we live in & I have been blessed to meet and know all of the Pullin for a Cause crew. They warm my heart with their generosity, they’re truly helping so many people year after year with their event and donation. The event is a true success and I’m lucky to be a part of it!”