Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio is seeking teams to compete in its 3rd annual Pulling For Kids' Sake Fundraiser. (Submitted photo) 

New Philadelphia, OH - Members of the community are invited to put their strength and endurance to the test while supporting a great cause during this year’s Pulling for Kids' Sake fundraiser.

Pulling for Kids' Sake is an annual event that pits man against machine in a fun and friendly team competition to raise funds and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio. 

Teams are currently being sought to take part in this year’s event, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Route 250 Health & Performance at New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia. 

During the event, teams comprised of up to 10 members will compete to pull a truck weighing in at more than 30,000 pounds for a 25-foot distance in the fastest amount of time. 

The winning team overall will earn bragging rights, medals for each team member and the privilege of the displaying the PFKS traveling trophy for the next year, according to Olivia Scally,  the director of development and marketing for Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio. 

“We’re actually just getting the one from last year,  so it’ll be engraved with a new winner this year, and then they’ll get to keep it through the year,” she said.

Medals will also be awarded to each member of the top-finishing team in the men’s and women’s division, and, for the first time ever, teams will also have the option to compete in a second division and pull a smaller, 8-ton truck.

A participation fee of at least $40 is suggested for each adult team member or $20 for children and college students. 

Teams may register in advance or during the event, however, participants registering later than a week prior to the event may not receive a t-shirt in their preferred size, according to Scally.

All proceeds will go directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio and will be used to make and support meaningful mentoring matches between adult volunteers, also known as Bigs, and children ages 6-18, also known as Littles, through its school- and community-based mentoring programs. 

In addition to the competition, the event will feature entertainment, food, and children’s activities. There is no cost to attend the event, and spectators are encouraged to come out to cheer on their favorite team.

“It’ll be a pretty big event, and we kind of take over that whole space outside of Rt. 250,” Scally said. 

For more information or to register for the event, call 330-339-6916 or visit www.bigs4kids.com.

Stacey Carmany, Tusco TV