South Buffalo Township fire department's tractor pull raises money for siblings

Tractor drivers were pulling for a purpose Saturday during the fourth annual South Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department’s benefit tractor and truck pull.

The annual fundraiser raises thousands of dollars for a different Alle-Kiski Valley recipient each year. It continues until 6 p.m.

This year, the fire department’s pull benefit committee fielded 15 nominations for local families in need.

Erin Pflueger, a co-organizer and member of the fire department, said the amount of money that the event raises exceeds expectations every year.

“Last year, it mostly rained — and we still raised $44,000,” Pflueger said. “It’s so overwhelming, the amount of time and effort people put into this day.”

The 4th Annual South Buffalo Township VFD Benefit Tractor Pull continues all-day Saturday until 6 p.m. ⁦@VNDNews⁩ ⁦@TribLIVE⁩ pic.twitter.com/uIYO8EJkAr

— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) October 15, 2022

This year’s recipients are siblings Josiah Keys, 11, and McKenah Keys, 13. Both are Freeport Area Middle School students.

McKenah and Josiah were born with Escobar Syndrome, a genetic disease which is characterized by facial abnormalities, webbing of the skin, joint contractures, respiratory distress and other complications.

Their mother, Michelle Morelli, said she was in complete shock when she received the news her children had been selected as this year’s recipients.

“I have no idea who nominated us but we’re extremely grateful,” Morelli said. “My kids try and be as normal as anyone else. Thank you so much to the community for doing this.”

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Siblings Josiah and McKenah Keys, of South Buffalo , will be the beneficaries of South Buffalo VFD annual benefit truck and tractor pull. The siblings were born with Escobar Syndrome.

Morelli said she hopes to remodel a bathroom to make it more handicap accessible for her kids.

The family frequently travels to Philadelphia for medical appointments and surgeries. McKenah is scheduled to have another surgery this month.

To date, both children have had dozens of surgeries.

Front row seat

Jerry Somple of Saxonburg had a front row seat for the tractor pull.

He brought his girlfriend Karen Switzer, of Butler and said supporting a meaningful cause is a priority.

“That’s why we come here every year. It’s such a good cause,” said Somple, a retired beef and dairy farmer.

Dozens of tractors, many antiques, lined the one side of the 300-foot track.

Tractors attempt to pull a weighted sled the entire 300 feet.

“Every year I try to improve,” said participant Chris Dunn of Worthington.

Dunn drove his tractor and his son Curdis, 16, drove his 1937 John Deere Model A.

“It’s a fun hobby,” Curdis said.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Curdis Dunn (left) works on his John Deere 37 A tractor with his father, Chris Dunn, on Saturday at the 4th Annual South Buffalo VFD benefit tractor and truck pull. The Dunns live in Worthington and participated in last year’s tractor pull, too.

The event kicked off with a breakfast at 8 a.m. and included raffles, 50/50, a silent auction, concessions and a car show.

Little event raises big bucks

The fire company has raised $120,000 the past three years, donating to three area families over that time.

The fundraiser is dedicated to the memory of the late co-founder Kevin Haas, who died in 2020.

Truck pullers traveled from as far away as Maryland to participate. Area fire departments assisting with the event included Upper Burrell, Freeport, Emsworth, Sewickley and Freeport EMS.

Eight-year-old Raylan Berteotti of South Buffalo is a tractor enthusiast.

“I like John Deere the best,” Berteotti said. “I grew up riding on them.”