THE JOURNEY OF THE LITTLE PURPLE TRACTOR 2024

The little purple tractor that could has continued to make a big difference.

Originally restored by Charles Beaver to honor his late brother and support cancer research, this remarkable tractor has become a beacon of hope and generosity. After a year of searching for the ideal tractor and two months of meticulous restoration, Charles raffled off the tractor, with the winner putting it in local auction to have its debut in the auction circuit.

Since then, this tractor has exceeded expectations, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer charities. Notably, in 2017, New Holland Tractor won the tractor at a Wolgemuth Auction for $16,000. They matched this donation, contributing $32,000 to the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute. New Holland then used the tractor in a two-year promotional campaign, raising over $100,000 before it returned to the auction scene. In November 2018, my dad purchased the tractor at Mecum Auctions in Iowa.

After my dad's passing, we wanted to honor his legacy of giving while continuing to support cancer charities. We decided to raffle the tractor once more, this time benefiting Clements Cuties, a local nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer and severe childhood illnesses. We aimed to sell 1,000 tickets, and thanks to generous support, we sold out two months before the big Clements Cuties game.

On Saturday, the winning ticket was drawn, and Mary Carruth was the fortunate winner. In a generous act of philanthropy, Mary chose to donate the tractor back. Dennis Wolgemuth of Wolgemuth Auctions has agreed to purchase the tractor for his museum. Thanks to everyone who participated and supported this cause, and especially to Mrs. Carruth for her incredible generosity, The Survivor Tractor has once again made an impact, raising $30,000 for the Clements Cuties Foundation. A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed and supported this worthy cause!

You never know where an idea may take you......thanks to Charles Beaver for starting this incredible journey of the little purple tractor that could!! May we all continue to fight against cancer!!

Drawing in September 2024

As we try to move on in the light of our dad’s passing; we have racked our brains in ways to best honor his legacy. In a few words; what we remember most about our dad is his giving spirit and the support he showed our community. We are happy to share our first act to keep his legacy alive. We are not sure if you have heard of the Survivor Tractor, but long story short, this tractor has been raising money to support Cancer for quite some time. Our dad bought the tractor several times as it hit the auction circuit. He was the last purchaser right before the onset of Covid. So, we thought it is only fitting to use this Survivor Tractor to help support the families of local children with cancer.

This tractor has raised over $100,000 in the past! If you are interested in hearing the back story behind the tractor, check out the links below:

Origins of The Survivor Tractor - The Beginning (youtube.com)

New Holland Agriculture Auctions Off Survivor Tractor to Original Owner to Continue Legacy of Raising Cancer Awareness | Hay and Forage Magazine

Here are the details: Tickets are $25/ticket. Only 1000 tickets sold! Win the Survivor Tractor or $5000 – Winner’s Choice.

Please consider supporting this cause by purchasing tickets. Please call or email us at ksiebert@gmtp.net  or bj_knott@yahoo.com with your request and we will reserve your ticket(s)! Tickets are also available at our office. Checks should be made payable to Clements Cuties and mailed to us at the address below. Thank you in advance for helping us not only support a great cause but also honor our dad!



Thank you, Karen & Bobbie Jo

Karen Siebert, CFO
GREAT MILLS TRADING POST CO., INC.
20171 Point Lookout Road
Great Mills, MD 20634

(301) 994-0300