Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Log-A-Load set for June 23

There are few people in Nevada and the surrounding areas that arent impacted by the timber industry. That, added to the fact that thousands of families have had reason to utilize the services of Arkansas Childrens Hospital in Little Rock, are good reasons to support the annual Log-a-Load event in Prescott.

This years meal and auction are slated for June 23 at the Potlatch Building on the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The event will kick off with the turtle race at 3:30 p.m. and the fish fry will start at 7 p.m.

Duane Leamons has been involved with the event for several years. He said its a highly worthwhile project and said people from all aspects of the timber industry join with the community to raise money to support the program.

Everybody is a participant, he said.

For the past two years, the Prescott event has been second in the state for money raised, Leamons said.

According to information from the local Log-A-Load team, The money raised in Arkansas goes into an endowment set up through the Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation specifically for Log A Load For Kids. Funds this year will again support the newly created Log a Load for Kids Imaging Endowment at ACH, which funds radiology and magnetic resonance imaging programs.

The majority of the money raised is from individuals and companies that purchase a table. Leamons said those contributors are recognized with their names on a t-shirt designed for the event.

The other main source of income is the auction. Leamons said the attitude of those who attend now is to purchase auction items with an eye toward the ultimate goal - raising money for ACH.

Its not for a bargain, Leamons said of those who buy items. Its for the cause.

Items donated range from products used by loggers - such as oil, ice chests and tools - to household items such as lamps. According to Leamons, theres something there to interest anyone.

Donations are tax deductible and may be made by contacting Leamons or Betty Steed at 887-2746.

According to a press release from Log-A-Load, the program began in 1988 when two South Carolina loggers were looking for a way to make a difference in their own communities. Today, 28 states participate and Prescotts program begin in 1993.

Theres little doubt that those who participate locally want to help ACH have the resources to treat the thousands of children facing serious illnesses. But its also a chance for fellowship with others in the timber industry and members of the community.

Its a lot of fun, Leamons said. We make it a lot of fun.