TULARE  -   The International Agri-Center® and World Ag Expo® and the Central Valley Toyota Dealers presented a check in the amount of $80,000 to Valley Children's Hospital during the hospital's All Guild Picnic at the Belmont Country Club on May 23, in Fresno, California. 

The check represented the total funds raised by the Guilds of Valley Children's Hospital, who participated in World Ag Expo's® Toyota Tundra Giveaway by selling chances to win a new 2018 Tundra. The proceeds from the giveaway will directly benefit the Central California hospital.

"It was amazing to see and hear from so many visitors at World Ag Expo, how Valley Children's has touched and saved the lives of so many throughout the Valley," shared Sandy Cetti, Manager for the Guilds. "Because of the dream of five women in 1949, their vision of building a children-only hospital became a reality through their fundraising efforts. Today, 69 years later, the Guilds of Valley Children's continue the long-standing support through the efforts of all 15 Guilds throughout the Central Valley. The relationship with International Agri-Center and Toyota, along with the community's support enables the Guilds to bring "The Best" to the children of the Central Valley. The Guilds are currently fundraising to endowments supporting: the Heart Center ($2M), Child Life ($1M) and Spiritual Care ($1M) departments. These endowments will ensure that our patients receive the newest and most innovative cardiac treatments to mend broken hearts, ensure our patients and families continue to benefit from therapeutic play activities that reduce anxiety and promote healing, and ensure every child, parent, visitor and staff member receives Spiritual Care to bring peace in the midst of heartache."

The Tundra truck, won by Alfredo Garcia of Bakersfield, CA on the final day of World Ag Expo®, was donated by the Central Valley Toyota Dealers, through their role as the Official Truck of World Ag Expo®.

"We are grateful to all who purchased tickets in the 2018 giveaway and for the opportunity to continue our partnership with Valley Children's Hospital and Toyota," said Jerry Sinift, Chief Executive Officer, International Agri-Center®. "We are honored to provide a way to support our local children's hospital and are proud of the work they are doing in our community."

The 2019 World Ag Expo® Toyota Tundra Giveaway, benefiting Valley Children's Hospital, is set to kick off ticket sales this fall.