Power pull fundraiser will benfit rec center

“More power!” as Tim Allen might say.

The Portales Recreation Center is hosting its first “Power Pull” fundraiser next week. In the contest, participants see who can pull a three-quarter-ton pickup, or an all-terrain vehicle for children, the farthest in 30 seconds.

“Anyone can do this,” said city Athletics Director Mike Doerr. “It’s going to be challenging; it’s going to be fun.”

After-school Program Director Andi Copenhaver said Hamilton Automotive Group was loaning the center two new pickups for the two-night contest. Adults can pull a truck by themselves or as a team with one man and one woman, she said.

In the kids’ pull, Copenhaver said, children get 30 seconds to drag an all-terrain vehicle farthest.

Copenhaver plans to award prizes for winners each evening and there is an overall event. Prizes include trophies and donations from Mark’s Restaurant, Fitness and More, Pizza Hut, Ray’s Lube Center and Vines Restaurant.

“All of the funds will come back to the rec center to offset the costs of the bigger projects we have in mind for the future,” Copenhaver said.

Planners are considering building outdoor areas for volleyball and horseshoes, she said.

Copenhaver said she came up with the Power Pull idea while looking for something different to do that would allow the whole community to participate. She thought there might be interest in the event and asked Hamilton for help.

Hamilton Sales Manager Max Martin said he didn’t have any personal experience with the center but had learned more about it since meeting Copenhaver. He agreed to lend a hand because the company tries to help in the community and the Copenhavers were customers, he said.

Martin also expects to have vehicles on display at the Power Pull.

Copenhaver said people could sign up at the event.

“Come out and try something new,” she said.