Austin Zinkon Memorial Truck and Tractor Pull is May 17
Life is sometimes cut short and while those on Earth don’t have the answers as to why, they trust that God knows. The joy they brought. The memories cherished. The impact made. The trust testament of a person who has passed on can be found in the hearts of those who loved them.
The is the story of the late Austin Zinkon who lost his life as the result of a tragic accident. His parents – Bob and Glenda – wanted to help others in the wake of their pain. They wanted to see the kind-hearted care that Zinkon showed to others spread like a warm blanket of hope, love, and peace to those facing traumatic medical issues. To do this, they looked to something he loved – truck and tractor pulls and together with the community and generous sponsors the Spillman Family – owners of Harvest Barn in Sugarcreek, the family is making a difference.
“When something tragic happens, such as child loss, you can take different paths,” said Glenda Zinkon. “You can harbor self-pity, be constantly angry, or ask what is God doing? We chose the latter and believe this is what God wants us to do.”
What they have done is put together the Austin Zinkon Memorial Truck and Tractor Pull. This is the third edition of the event and it is set for Saturday, May 17 from noon to 11 p.m. at Harvest Barn in Sugarcreek. The event also includes a spaghetti dinner served from noon to 6 p.m. in addition to a 50/50 drawing, raffle, and silent auction as well as a bake sale. Cost of admission to the event is by donation. The meal is also available by donation.
Proceeds of this event are earmarked for area families who have experienced loss and or who have medical expenses.
“To date we have been able to give $72,000 to nine people thanks to the generous support of people in our area,” said Bob Zinkon.
This year, the goal is to bless at least three families who are facing challenges.
“There are so many possible beneficiaries but we ultimately had to make a choice,” Bob said.
Recipients include Courtney Schlabach of Bolivar. This wife, mother of two (ages 3 and 5), and pre-school teacher’s aide for students in special education has faced severe medical challenges. In 2024, she developed a sore on her tongue that doctors believe was from biting her tongue. However, after months of doctoring and tests, oral cancer was discovered. About 25 percent of her tongue was removed along with most of the lymph nodes in her neck during a lengthy surgery in January. She is going through cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation as a result.
Heather McCambier and Tony Celeschi of Coshocton are also on the benefactor list for this year’s event. McCambier is 45 and is facing Stage 4 Carcinoma – Invasive Breast Cancer as well as Stage 4 Kidney Failure. Celeschi also has an uphill battle. He had liver transplant in February of this year and just weeks later, due to complications, underwent brain surgery.
“This is our chance to be a blessing where trials and tribulations seem to be the fore front,” Glenda said.
The Zinkons noted that there are many ways to bless the benefit. First and foremost, prayers are welcome. “If you believe in prayer, we ask that you would join us in praying for these families and the countless others who are suffering, that they would experience God’s goodness and grace and His glory would shine through them,” they said.
The event will take place rain or shine. “While some bleacher-type seating will be available, we encourage attendees to bring chairs,” Bob said. “There will be ample room track side to set up chairs and enjoy the truck and tractor pull.”
The pulls will feature weigh-in starts at noon, and the pulls start at 2 p.m. Divisions include: V8 tractors; 9,000 open tractor; 3.0 diesel trucks; 12,500 Eastern Ohio Touch Farm 12 mph 300 rpm; 6,000 6 mph antique tractor; and 7,500 open tractor.
“Bob and I are thrilled, along with the Spillman family, to be hosting such an important and meaningful event that God placed on our hearts to do,” Glenda said. “We are thankful for the blessings we have been able to bestow and look forward to more in the future.”
Serving for the spaghetti dinner by donation will begin at noon and will continue until 6 p.m. or until supplies run out. Take-out meals will also be available during this time. The silent auction will be held at various time intervals from noon to 6 p.m. There also will be a bake sale by donation from noon to 6 p.m. or until baked goods are gone. In addition, 50/50 tickets will be sold throughout the day.
“Bob and I are deeply moved and appreciative of everyone’s efforts to make this memorial benefit event a success,” Glenda said. “It takes a lot of work to pull something like this together, and we are very appreciative of all the support we have received so far. God has definitely been in our midst, and we are so thankful for all who are supporting this meaningful event from local businesses to individuals.”
The family also praised the Spillman family for their help in making this benefit a reality thanks to the space they created with Harvest Barn. “We especially want to thank the Spillman family for allowing this event to take place on their grounds and their ongoing support,” Glenda said. “Their generosity in giving us the building and grounds is a blessing beyond measure.”
Gate entry is on a donation basis. For information or to donate to the fund, e-mail g.zinkon@eaglemachines.com or call 330-852-1300. Harvest Barn is located at 420 Dutch Valley Drive in Sugarcreek.
Category: People & Places
