Posts Tagged ‘sunflower’

Team co-captain Arlene Zachary cuts Kirk Cool's 13-inch ponytail for Locks of Love

How do 350 employees generate $6,631 for the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” event? They put FUN into fundraising. For more than 15 years, the employees at the AGCO-Beloit and Cawker City facilities have supported their Relay team by opening their wallets and giving generously. You may remember reading about this in an earlier post.

This year the AGCO team was able to contribute to two worthy organizations, American Cancer Society and Locks of Love , through the “Get ‘er Cut Fund”. Kirk Cool, Beloit Machine Shop Supervisor offered to cut 10 inches of his ponytail for $500 for the Relay. Then he agreed to an additional one-half inch for every $50 over the goal.

The goal of $500 was met fairly quickly. The fund leveled off at $615 until someone donated $85 which put the haircut at 12 inches. Just before the deadline for contributing, an individual presented $100. During a plant-wide employee meeting June 8, Kirk Cool got a haircut from team co-captain Arlene Zachary; and Locks of Love got a 13-inch gift.

This year’s team members are: Arlene Zachary, co-captain; Eve Flynn, co-captain; Steven Isley; Kathy Hargett; Ethan Smith-Esogbue; Ruth Roberts, and Chandra Ackerman. AGCO employees in Beloit and Cawker City have demonstrated their support of the Relay for Life event for many years. They have donated their personal time and money because they believe there should be more birthdays.

What is the funnest thing you have ever done for charity?

The following post was submitted by Jo Herian at AGCO’s Beloit, Kansas facility:

AGCO’s core values include Team Spirit and Accountability.  These values are never more evident than at AGCO’s Beloit and Cawker City, Kansas, USA facilities before the annual ‘Relay for Life’ fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

AGCO employees in Beloit, Kansas support Relay for Life

Our Sunflower team has supported the Relay for Life for more than fifteen consecutive years.  Funds raised do not come from the community nor the company, but from the pockets of AGCO’s 300 employees.  Over the past five years, the average amount contributed is $5,500 (USD) and they are on target to exceed that goal this year!

Whenever possible, FUN goes into the FUNdraisers. This year Kirk Cool, AGCO Supervisor, has agreed to cut his hard-earned ponytail for ‘Locks of Love’ if the goal in the “hair fund” is met.  Scissors are ready!

Spaghetti meals, bake sales, motorcycle poker runs, homemade quilts and tickets to major league baseball games have all encouraged employee generosity.  One of the most popular prizes is a designated Relay for Life parking spot.

Monies for the American Cancer Society count in the fight against cancer.  But what really counts is the heart of AGCO Sunflower employees who give of their time and money because they BELIEVE.  They believe one day cancer can be controlled and there can be more birthdays.

Does your community support Relay for Life? How do you get people engaged?

I attended a fantastic class yesterday hosted by AGCO’s own Seeding and Tillage expert, Bob Boelsen,  and I learned so much! For example: did you know that Sunflower has over 140 models and sizes available, making it the broadest line of seeding and tillage equipment available? Check out the video below to see our Beloit manufacturing site where our Sunflower implements are made:

Do you use Sunflower seeding or tillage equipment? Where is your farm located and what are the conditions in your area right now?