Larry Rush with his pink pallet jack

A former Clark employee received a pink pallet jack on Tuesday after his name was drawn in a "Susan G Komen for the Cure" fundraiser.

Larry Rush, 65, was emotional when he gave his thank-you speech to employees at Clark's Lexington headquarters.

"I cannot speak of Clark without getting emotional. Clark is so near and dear to my heart. I will hang onto the pallet jack for a while to just admire it and remind me of my fond memories at Clark before passing it on to a worthy charity organisation.

"When I visited Clark during their 90th anniversary and saw the pink pallet jack on display, I was so touched that Clark was reaching out to help with the fight against breast cancer in such a unique way. In honour of my daughter, and her battle, I knew I wanted to join their efforts, never realising that I would win the pallet jack."

Rush retired from Clark Material Handling Company in 2000 after 34 years of service. He started at Clark Equipment in Battle Creek, Missouri, in 1966 as a welder before being transferred to Clark's Georgetown, Kentucky facility in 1983. He managed the welding department there and later became the plant manager.

Clark Material Handling Company's fundraising effort to support breast cancer advocacy organisation Susan G Komen involved giving pink pallet jacks to dealers and other donors (Forkliftaction.com News #309).

Dealers who donated at the pink ribbon level received a pink pallet jack each while all other donors went into a June 1 draw. Clark spokesperson Sherry Myers says the pink ribbon level equates to a minimum donation of USD1,000.

In total, the fundraising effort raised USD35,300.

Myers says while many Clark dealers donated to the cause, 19 donated at the pink ribbon level.

The Clark management team also won a pink pallet jack through their corporate donation. The team is donating the pallet jack to local Lexington food bank, God's Pantry. It will be used to move 13 million lbs (5.9 million kg) of food annually.