Tractor Supply kicks off semi-annual 4-H fundraiser

BRENTWOOD — Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the country, is hosting its ninth year of Paper Clover, a fundraising campaign that provides millions of dollars in scholarships for 4-H youth in partnership with National 4-H Council.

From April 11-22, North Carolina Tractor Supply customers can participate in the Paper Clover fundraiser by purchasing a paper clover — the emblem of 4-H — for a donation during checkout at their local store or by making a purchase online at TractorSupply.com.

The funds raised will be awarded to North Carolina 4-H youth as scholarships to attend camps and leadership conferences.

“Every Paper Clover donation directly contributes to the growth and development of 4-H youth,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply Company. “Tractor Supply customers and team members show incredible support for this program because they see the value 4-H brings in teaching indispensable skills that benefit their communities for years to come.”

Since its start in 2010, the partnership between Tractor Supply and 4-H has generated more than $13 million in essential funding. Last year the Paper Clover fundraiser, which takes place in the spring and fall, saw a record-breaking year with more than $1.8 million raised.

“The stories we hear from the thousands of 4-H youth who have attended camps and leadership conferences because of Paper Clover remind us why we work so hard to support this mission,” said Jessica Holmes, store marketing manager at Tractor Supply Company. “In every Tractor Supply community, we see 4-H members growing into leaders and we are proud to play a role in their development.”

Fundraising efforts from Paper Clover fund scholarships for numerous state-level 4-H programs nationwide. Every North Carolina donation benefits North Carolina youth.

“4-H continues to empower America’s youth with hands-on learning and education programs that encompass skills like responsibility, resiliency and hard work,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of the National 4-H Council. “Thanks to our partnership with Tractor Supply Company, its team members and the communities it serves, the Paper Clover promotion gives more youth the opportunity to experience and benefit from 4-H.”

North Carolina 4-H clubs are encouraged to contact a Tractor Supply store to participate during the in-store fundraiser.

Those who participate with their local store are eligible to win a $100 Tractor Supply gift card through the Paper Clover Participation Sweepstakes. For more information on how to enter the sweepstakes, visit TractorSupply.com/4h.

Coaches vs. Cancer Fundraiser at Subway restaurants scores $18,213 for local families battling cancer

CHARLOTTE — Eleven Division 1 head men’s basketball coaches from North Carolina wrapped up a special Coaches vs. Cancer fundraising campaign and the net result was $18,213.66 in donations to help fight cancer.

The contributions were collected in January and February from generous customers at local Subway restaurants in the greater Charlotte area, Piedmont Triad and Western North Carolina.

Five head men’s basketball coaches in the area who volunteered their time for the awareness and fundraising effort were: Tim Craft of Gardner-Webb University, interim coach Houston Fancher of the Charlotte 49ers, Jim Fox of Appalachian State University, Pat Kelsey of Winthrop University and Bob McKillop of Davidson College.

Other coaches joining them were: Scott Cherry of High Point University, Larry Hunter of Western Carolina University, Jay Joyner of North Carolina A&T State University, Nick McDevitt of UNC Asheville, Matt Matheny of Elon University and Wes Miller of UNC-Greensboro.

To demonstrate their commitment to the campaign, the coaches served as guest Subway Sandwich Artists during lunch at local Subway restaurants in their area.

“We are grateful to the coaches, Subway and the community who make it possible for us to continue supporting local outreach for cancer research, prevention and patient services like rides to life-saving cancer treatments and our 24/7 call line,” said Ivan Schwartz, executive director of the American Cancer Society in the Southeast region.

The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

Locally, the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association has joined the effort to promote healthy living, raise awareness and support the fight against cancer.

For more information on Coaches vs. Cancer, visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.