SUNY Canton Hosts United Way Truck Pull Fundraiser During Family and Community Weekend

Canton, NY (09/13/2021) — SUNY Canton's Family and Community Weekend will feature a truck-pull event to help the United Way of Northern New York, Inc.

Teams of 10 individuals will attempt to pull a 55,000-pound semi-tractor trailer for the fastest time to raise money for the United Way's ALICE program, which is focused on helping local families. The fundraiser begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, in Parking Lot 7 on SUNY Canton's campus.

"We're proud to support the United Way because they do so much good in our community," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "The fundraiser sounds like a lot of fun, with multiple teams competing to pull a tractor trailer forward. Like all good Kangaroos, we're all about moving forward."

Szafran also noted that the semi-truck will be provided by Renzi Foodservice, Inc., one of the college's donors. The Renzi Family previously pledged $25,000 over five years to the Student Emergency Fund.

"We are thrilled to partner with the United Way of Northern New York on their premiere Truck Pull fundraiser," said Courtney B. Bish, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. "This event, hosted at SUNY Canton during our Family and Community Weekend, is going to be a highlight that our students, families and our local community can all enjoy."

Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Team registration carries a suggested donation of $50 per person ($500 per team) or a special student price of $30 per person ($300 per team). Other attractions include live music, food vendors and a 50/50 raffle. SUNY Canton will be showcasing its own semi-tractor trailer used in the college's Commercial Driver's License training program.

"It's really exciting that we're going to have high school teams, college teams, businesses, first responders and county government employees competing to pull this giant semi," said Jamie Cox, Chief Executive Officer for the United Way of Northern New York. "Grab your friends, family, co-workers and compete to raise funds for our North Country families. This is going to be an event you won't want to miss."

Each team is handicapped by the bulk weight of its members, which is then multiplied by the pull time to make it competitive for all to enter. The top three teams will win prizes. For event registration and detailed information visit the United Way's Truck Pull website.

Other SUNY Canton Family and Community Weekend Events:

The college will hold a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Saturday by the water tower on Cornell Drive. Events held over the weekend include a hypnotist, virtual activities, a beat-box performance, a choreographer holding an interactive dance exhibit, movie showings, in addition to games and attractions. All college activities will be held beginning Friday, Sept. 17 and will be located on the Roselle Plaza and in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center. "It's guaranteed to be a fun and exciting weekend," said Priscilla L. Collins, director of Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership.

About The United Way of Northern New York Inc.

United Way of Northern New York's mission is to measurably improve the lives of all residents of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties through leadership, training and funding. It is a designated 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization by the IRS with an EIN of 15-0543356. Its offices are at 120 Washington St., Suite 201, Watertown, NY 13601. Visit unitedway-nny.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Questions can be directed to info@unitedway-nny.org or (315) 788-5631.

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