Backpack programs get $166,400 donation

WEINER, Ark. – The Greenway Equipment and Jason Aldean partnership to give away a John Deere Cab XUV835M Gator Aldean used on his property near Nashville raised $166,400 for three local foodbanks, nearly $50,000 more than the giveaway raised last year.

“Giving back to the communities in which we operate is a main priority for us,” said Marshall Stewart, Greenway Equipment chief executive officer. “Being able to support a fundraiser like this Jason Aldean Gator Giveaway is what it’s all about, supporting the children in our communities, especially those who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”

Proceeds from the promotion will benefit weekend backpack programs at Arkansas Food Bank in Little Rock, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas in Jonesboro, and Southeast Missouri Food Bank in Sikeston.

Together, the three food banks feed 4,600 children through their backpack programs, which send food home with deserving children each weekend, according to a press release from the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, which serves many area counties, including Butler.

“We are proud longtime supporters of the Backpack Program,” Stewart said. “In an area where agriculture is the leading economy, no one should go without a meal.”

Aldean drew the winning ticket for the Gator shortly before his We Back concert Saturday night at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro. Wynne, Ark., resident Patsy Roberts won the Gator, which features a dashboard plaque autographed by Aldean.

The Gator giveaway kicked off in January, and a $10 donation was requested with each registration.

Greenway Equipment Chief Executive Officer Marshall Stewart, left, Southeast Missouri Food Bank Chief Advancement Officer Lisa Church, Arkansas Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Rhonda Sanders and Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas Chief Executive Officer Christie Jordan meet with Jason Aldean, right, when he drew the winning ticket for the Gator Giveaway before his concert at First National Bank Arena at Jonesboro, Ark., Saturday night. The giveaway raised $166,400 for weekend backpack programs at the three food banks.Photo provided