Fitzpatrick memorial tractor ride raises money for local organization

A month ago today, the first Mark Fitzpatrick Memorial Ride was held. The event included 31 tractors and four back up vehicles on a 55 mile ?Tractor Trek for Charity.?

In total, the group raised more than $1,000 for the New London Dollars for Scholars.

Funds were gathered, by each participating tractor paying an entry fee that included lunch.

Mark Fitzpatrick, an active resident of New London, died last year. He was involved with the Big Creek Tractor Club, Three Rivers Tractor Club, the Food Resource Bank, the New London Lions Club and the Henry County Corn Growers Association.

When he passed away, a memorial was established with the Dollars for Scholars program.

Members of three area tractor clubs gathered for the parade of tractors that went past the Fitzpatrick home, and also went through New London, Lowell, West Point, Pilot Grove, Houghton, Salem and Mt. Pleasant.

Portions of the route were traveled on gravel roads.

Those involved in the event indicated they would hold another fundraiser next year.