Cures for the Colors benefit set
By Steve Herring
Published in News on September 10, 2018 5:50 AM
Four years ago, M.F. Jr. and Faye McCullen were looking for a way to help pay forward the help their son, Chad, a cancer survivor, received from Cures for the Colors.
They have done so over the past three years through the Eastern Carolina Tractor Ride, but this year they wanted to do something different.
Instead of a tractor ride, the family will host the Eastern Carolina Antique and Tractor Show Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21 and 22.
But while the event is different, the goal remains the same, the McCullens say -- to raise funds for Southeastern Cancer Care's Cures for the Colors.
Cures for the Colors' sole purpose is to assist cancer patients in eastern North Carolina with food, utilities, gas, prescription drugs and other needs as they undergo active chemotherapy, radiation or within three months of surgery.
Any cancer patient who lives east of Interstate 95 or in the counties that have I-95 within their boundaries is eligible for assistance for day-to-day needs.
There are no administrative fees -- all the work is done by Southeastern Medical Oncology Center staff and volunteers.
Gates for the Eastern Carolina Antique and Tractor Show will open at 9 a.m. Admission is $5 per person and there is no cost for children age 12 and younger.
Exhibitors and vendors are encouraged to bring their antiques, tractors and cars to show, as well as their wares to sell, McCullen said.
Overnight camping is allowed, but there are no services or hookups.
The Pricetown Fire Department will be selling pork chop sandwiches and beverages with the proceeds going to the fire department. Northeast Free Will Baptist Church will sell hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages with the proceeds going to the church.
Auctioneer Jonathan Grimes will start the bidding on items donated by local businesses and individuals at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Last year's items ranged from baked goods to water coolers and everything in between.
Antique buildings on the farm will be open for self-guided tours.
The event will be held on the M.F. McCullen Jr. Farm, 2616 N.C. 55 East, about 6 miles east of Mount Olive.
Signs will be posted for the event that will take place rain or shine.
No coolers, alcoholic beverages or pets are allowed.
For more information about the show, call McCullen at 919-222-4778 or visit www.easterncarolinatractorride.com.
For more information about Cures for the Colors, call 888-774-0309, or visit www.SoutheasternCancerCare.org.