The Monroe Truck Equipment Louisville team had the honor of building a flatbed truck that was a part of a massive fundraising campaign by our partner dealership, Kelley Buick GMC in Bartow, Florida.
Every year, the team at Kelley Buick GMC puts together a raffle called the 20 Buck Truck. This year, they tapped our team to upfit the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 flatbed that they were raffling. Community participants could stop at the dealership and purchase a $20 raffle ticket, which would put them in the running to win the truck.
Polk County Agriculture
The Kelley family has been raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the youth of Polk County for several years now. The program was started by Tyler Kelley’s father, according to an interview with Spectrum Bay News 9’s Polk County Reporter.
Each year, the raffle raises more than $100,000 for the Future Farmers of America. Future Farmers of America helps young people learn the ins and outs of responsible agriculture. Funds purchase livestock so they can learn how to raise their own animals, and also goes toward teaching them to grow and maintain their own crops. 
Then, once a year the kids have the opportunity to attend a youth fair where they can present their product and make money based on how well their harvest was that year, or the size and health of the livestock they raised.
The mission of FFA is to:
- Develop competent and assertive agricultural leadership.
- Increase awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
- Strengthen the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work.
- Promote the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career.
- Encourage achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.
- Encourage wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community.
- Develop interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction.
- Build character and promote citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism.
- Promote cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people.
- Promote healthy lifestyles.
- Encourage excellence in scholarship.
Warrior Beach Retreat, Inc.
In years past, the raffle funds were used just in Polk County. In recent years, the raffle has gotten so big that the proceeds have stretched to non-profits in Hardee County as well! 10% of this year’s proceeds went to Warrior Beach Retreat in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Warrior Beach Retreat is a nonprofit organization that makes it possible for combat wounded soldiers of the Iraq and Afghanistan tours and their spouses/caregivers to spend an entire week away at a relaxing beach retreat in Panama City Beach. 
Making an Impact on Communities Across the Country
Monroe Truck Equipment is proud to play a role in such an important Polk County tradition. Our mission is to move communities forward. Participating in opportunities like the 20 Buck Truck help us live up to our mission every day. Learn more about our community support on our website.