Truck and tractor pull benefit to support area families facing medical crises
Austin Zinkon died in a tragic accident, and his parents created the memorial event to honor his memory and support others in need.
The third annual Austin Zinkon Memorial Truck and Tractor Pull will take place Saturday, May 17 from noon to 11 p.m. at Harvest Barn in Sugarcreek. The benefit event, organized by Bob and Glenda Zinkon in memory of their son, aims to assist area families dealing with serious medical issues or financial hardship.
Austin Zinkon died in a tragic accident, and his parents created the memorial event to honor his memory and support others in need. The truck and tractor pull, a nod to Austin’s passion for motorsports, has grown into a community-supported fundraiser featuring multiple activities throughout the day.
This year’s event will include a spaghetti dinner served from noon to 6 p.m., a 50/50 drawing, a raffle, a silent auction and a bake sale. Admission and all activities are available by donation.
According to the Zinkons, the benefit has raised $72,000 to date, supporting nine individuals. Proceeds this year will go toward assisting three additional families in the region.
One of the recipients is Courtney Schlabach of Bolivar, a preschool teacher’s aide and mother of two. Schlabach was diagnosed with oral cancer in early 2024 after a sore on her tongue failed to heal. In January she underwent surgery to remove approximately 25% of her tongue and most of the lymph nodes in her neck. She is currently receiving chemotherapy and radiation.
Also receiving assistance are Heather McComber and Tony Celeschi of Coshocton. McComber, 45, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 invasive breast cancer and Stage 4 kidney failure. Celeschi recently underwent a liver transplant in February and, due to complications, had brain surgery several weeks later.
The Zinkons said selecting recipients was difficult due to the number of families in need, but they hope the donations raised will provide some relief.
The truck and tractor pulls will begin at 2 p.m., with weigh-ins starting at noon. Pulling divisions include V8 tractors, 9,000 open tractor, 3.0 diesel trucks, 12,500 Eastern Ohio Touch Farm (12 mph, 300 rpm), 6,000 (6 mph antique tractor) and 7,500 open tractor.
Limited bleacher seating will be available, but guests are encouraged to bring chairs. The event will be held rain or shine.
Spaghetti dinner service will continue until 6 p.m. or until supplies run out. Take-out meals also will be available. The silent auction and bake sale will take place from noon to 6 p.m., and 50/50 tickets will be sold throughout the day.
The Zinkons expressed appreciation for the support they have received from the community and local businesses, as well as from the Spillman family, owners of Harvest Barn, for providing the venue and continued support.
For more information or to donate, email g.zinkon@eaglemachines.com or call 330-852-1300. Harvest Barn is located at 420 Dutch Valley Drive in Sugarcreek.