One Big Goal: How 4Rivers Equipment and the American Cancer Society Are Helping Fight Cancer Together
For 100 years, 4Rivers Equipment has stood beside the people who build, farm, move, maintain and improve the communities we call home. That work has always been bigger than iron, parts and service.
It is about showing up when people need a working partner.
That same belief is behind One Big Goal, a 4Rivers Equipment campaign supporting the American Cancer Society during our centennial year. With help from customers, employees and community partners, we set out to raise $100,000 for cancer research and patient support — and thanks to incredible support, that goal was reached early.
What Is One Big Goal?
One Big Goal is 4Rivers Equipment’s 100th anniversary fundraising campaign benefiting the American Cancer Society. The campaign centers on a specially painted John Deere 200G excavator created to help raise more than $100,000 throughout 2026.
The machine, affectionately known as “Big Blue,” is more than a commemorative piece of equipment. It is a visible reminder of what can happen when an industry built on hard work comes together for a cause that touches nearly every family.
Through One Big Goal, customers and partners have been invited to support the American Cancer Society while having their company logos featured on the centennial excavator and through 4Rivers Equipment social channels.
How Did 4Rivers Equipment’s Partnership With the American Cancer Society Begin?
4Rivers Equipment has supported the American Cancer Society’s Big Dig Colorado event for more than a decade. Big Dig Colorado gives children and adults — including cancer patients and survivors — the chance to climb into real construction equipment and operate it in a safe, hands-on environment.
As equipment people, we know the joy that comes from seeing a kid light up in the seat of a machine. But Big Dig Colorado does more than create a memorable day.
It raises money for pediatric cancer research and brings families, businesses, first responders and the construction community together around one shared mission.
Why Does Big Dig Colorado Matter to Our Customers and Community?
Cancer does not stay outside the job site, the farm, the shop or the parts counter. It affects customers, employees, families and neighbors across every community we serve.
That is why Big Dig Colorado means so much to our team.
The event combines the strength of the construction industry with a purpose families can feel immediately:
- Kids get to safely operate real construction equipment.
- Families get a fun, hands-on day built around learning and community.
- Sponsors and partners help fund pediatric cancer research.
- Cancer patients and survivors are celebrated and supported.
- Local businesses and first responders come together for a cause bigger than business.
According to 4Rivers Equipment’s 2025 event recap, Big Dig of Northern Colorado raised $131,029.47 for pediatric cancer research through the American Cancer Society, driven by sponsorships, ticket sales, silent auction revenue, day-of revenue, donations and fundraising.
How Does “Big Blue” Help Support Cancer Research?
Big Blue gives the One Big Goal campaign a powerful centerpiece.
As a custom John Deere 200G excavator, the machine represents both 4Rivers Equipment’s 100-year milestone and our commitment to helping the American Cancer Society fund research and support families affected by cancer.
The idea is simple: take a machine that already draws attention, give it a purpose, and invite customers to help us turn steel, paint and decals into real support for people facing cancer.
Customers and partners who contribute to the campaign help move the fundraiser forward while becoming part of a visible, traveling reminder of what our industry can accomplish together.
What Did John Shearer and Danny Bratton Share About the Campaign?
In the One Big Goal video, 4Rivers Equipment CEO John Shearer and General Manager Danny Bratton share the story behind the campaign, the company’s long-standing partnership with the American Cancer Society and the role Big Dig Colorado has played in connecting the construction equipment industry with a meaningful cause.
Their message is not about celebrating 4Rivers for the sake of celebration.
It is about using a major company milestone — 100 years in business — to support families, customers and communities through a cause that matters deeply.
Why Is Giving Back Part of the 4Rivers Equipment Mission?
At 4Rivers Equipment, we spend every day working with people who keep essential work moving. Contractors, farmers, municipalities, landscapers, fleet managers and property owners rely on equipment to get tough jobs done.
But being a working partner means more than helping customers choose the right machine or keep equipment running.
It means investing in the communities where our customers live and work. One Big Goal reflects that commitment by connecting our 100-year history with a future where more families have hope, support and better outcomes.
What Can You Expect at Big Dig Colorado 2026?
Big Dig Colorado returns Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, 4444 Ritchie Drive, Longmont, CO 80504. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Families can expect a high-energy, hands-on event built around construction equipment, community and cancer research support. The public Big Dig Colorado event information notes that attendees should dress casually, wear comfortable clothes and that closed-toe shoes are preferred.
2026 Big Dig Colorado Event Details
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, 4444 Ritchie Drive, Longmont, CO 80504
- Cause: Pediatric cancer research through the American Cancer Society
- Experience: Kids and adults can operate real construction equipment in a safe, hands-on environment.
Big Dig Colorado’s public event information also lists wave times, including 9 a.m. PCL Construction Hard Hat Hour, 10:30 a.m. second-wave entry and 11:30 a.m. third-wave entry.
How Can Customers, Partners and Families Get Involved?
If you want to support One Big Goal or Big Dig Colorado, there are several ways to get involved:
- Attend Big Dig Colorado 2026 with your family.
- Purchase tickets in advance to help secure your spot.
- Donate directly to support the American Cancer Society.
- Volunteer to help make the event safe, fun and memorable.
- Partner or sponsor to help fund pediatric cancer research.
- Share the One Big Goal story with your team, customers and community.
Every ticket purchased and every partnership formed helps support the mission of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Watch the One Big Goal Story
Hear directly from John Shearer and Danny Bratton as they share how One Big Goal began, why Big Dig Colorado matters and how 4Rivers Equipment customers helped turn a 100th anniversary celebration into a campaign with lasting impact.
The video covers:
- How the partnership between 4Rivers Equipment and the American Cancer Society began.
- Why Big Dig Colorado connects so naturally with the construction equipment industry.
- The story behind Big Blue, the custom John Deere 200G excavator.
- How customers and partners helped support the One Big Goal campaign.
- Why giving back remains part of the 4Rivers Equipment mission.
If you enjoy the video, be sure to like, comment and subscribe for more stories from 4Rivers Equipment featuring our employees, customers and community partners.
Learn more about 4Rivers Equipment at 4RiversEquipment.com.
Learn more, buy tickets or donate through Big Dig Colorado.
Common Questions About One Big Goal and Big Dig Colorado
What is One Big Goal?
One Big Goal is 4Rivers Equipment’s 100th anniversary fundraising campaign benefiting the American Cancer Society. The campaign uses a specially painted John Deere 200G excavator to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and patient support.
What is Big Blue?
Big Blue is the custom John Deere excavator created for 4Rivers Equipment’s One Big Goal campaign. Internal campaign materials identify the machine as a specially painted John Deere 200G excavator tied to the company’s centennial fundraising effort.
What is Big Dig Colorado?
Big Dig Colorado is a family-friendly event where kids and adults, including cancer patients and survivors, can operate real construction equipment in a safe, hands-on environment while supporting pediatric cancer research through the American Cancer Society.
When is Big Dig Colorado 2026?
Big Dig Colorado 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, 4444 Ritchie Drive, Longmont, CO 80504.
How much did Big Dig Colorado raise in 2025?
According to 4Rivers Equipment’s 2025 event recap, Big Dig of Northern Colorado raised $131,029.47 for pediatric cancer research through the American Cancer Society.
How does One Big Goal help customers and communities?
One Big Goal gives customers, partners and employees a way to support cancer research through a cause connected to the equipment industry. It turns a 100th anniversary milestone into a community effort built around generosity, visibility and support for families affected by cancer.
Where can I buy tickets or donate?
Tickets, donations and event information are available through Big Dig Colorado.
