October 30, 2017 - (Album1, Album2) - Truck-pull team Gibsons Energy walked away with the first place trophy following the 2nd Annual Gibsons Energy Truck-Pull to benefit Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center.
The truck pull was held on the F.L. Moffett campus parking lot in Center on October 28, 2017.
At the opening of the event Leonard Dupuis, Gibsons Regional Manager, introduced Rob Merriman who spoke on behalf of the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center, beneficiary of the event.
"Thank y'all on behalf of the Advocacy Center. Denise Merriman is the Executive Director, her staff are very thankful for this event," said Rob Merriman.
He related to the participants how the funds raised from the truck pull help an unfortunate need in the community.
"We're just real thankful for the turnout, real thankful for y'all's support of the truck pull this year," said Merriman.
A prayer led by Warren McDaniel was then offered.
Dupuis then gave some information about Gibsons Energy being an oilfield company and shared it's location at the intersection of SH 87 South and SL 500.
"We've been here since 2010, built in 2010, we try to provide any type of donations or help to the community. We employ about 50-60 families, something like that," said Dupuis.
He continued by wishing everyone a good time with the event, and thanking his staff members. Dupuis remarked that anyone who was not able to get a team together for 2017 still made monetary donations for the fundraiser.
"I think we'll be in better shape this year, and Gibsons will match the funds that are raised today," said Dupuis.
Jon Davis then informed the teams participating, the pull would be in a tournament style. Each pull was timed and that would position each of the seven teams in the tournament bracket. Every team got at least two pulls.
At the onset of the competition when team "Here Comes the Fuzz" (Shelby County Sheriff's Department) made their first attempt at the best time, an excited fan, team cheerleader and alternate team member tried to build their enthusiasm by enticing them with many donuts.
Although they were running neck-and-neck with this year's champions, the Fuzz was beaten by a close margin. All teams pulled hard and every participant appeared to have a great time.
Each of the seven teams involved were represented by a business or local organization in support of the fundraiser and they included: Gibson's Energy, Shelby County Bass Anglers (One Ton Plus), Center Fire Department, Herman and the Flying Guitars, Shelby County Sheriff's Department (Here Comes the Fuzz), Self-Defense America, and 936 Crossfit.
In addition to the teams participating there were 29 businesses and individuals who donated to the cause. Helping to set up for the event and serving throughout were Junior Shelby County Chamber of Commerce members.
According to Gibsons Energy, the money raised this year is more than double that of last year. Representatives of the company expressed a big "thank you" for making this happen through support.
The following is a list of business' and organizations that contributed to the truck pull: Hometown Tackle, Common Disposal, Ace Hardware, Saf-T-First, State Farm (Sandy Wheeler), Farmers State Bank, Few Ready Mix, Chap’s BBQ, Wright Chrysler Dodge, Classic Nails, Boles Feed, Jeff Adams Law Office, Tammy Steptoe Realty, Center Tire, Hardy’s Machine, Ken Hardy, Raymond Construction, Monco Motors, Geoff Jones (Gibsons), Joey Shaw (Gibsons), James Hagler Pct 2, Shelby Savings Bank, Bradley Odom, Gibsons Employees, Norman (team-Herman & Flying Guitars), Retha Starkey, Shelby County Bass Anglers, General Shelters, The Catch, and all the teams members of Shelby County Bass Anglers, Herman & the Flying Guitars, Gibsons, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, 936 Crossfit, Center Fire Department, and Self Defense of America.
