For Immediate Release
Heartland Express to Match Money Raised by Annual GATS Auction Benefiting St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund
Matching donation of $16,038 will help nonprofit serving over-the-road/regional semi-truck drivers and their families.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Aug. 29, 2018 – Over the weekend, nonprofit St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) received $16,038 from the Great American Trucking Show’s annual auction and concert in the TA Petro parking area. Shortly after, Heartland Express, a best-in-class transportation and logistics organization, matched the donation for a total of $32,076 to help SCF support over-the-road/regional semi-truck drivers and families in need.
According to event organizers, the amount raised by the GATS event, which included both silent and live auctions, was a record. It originally totaled $15,755, but an additional $283 was raised through games and activities at the SCF booth. SCF corporate sponsors TravelCenters of America, Blue Tiger USA, RoadPro, 4 State Trucks and others provided auction items along with donations and creations from drivers. Auction items with the highest bid included a Truckin’ Bozo commemorative issue diecast truck ($1,100), a Jasmine brand guitar autographed by the Bellamy Brothers ($3,100) and a can of beer with a Heniff koozie ($900).
“We were blown away by the amount of money raised by truck drivers to help support their colleagues in need,” said SCF Director of Philanthropy and Development Shannon Currier. “It’s a testament to how closely knit our industry is – we take care of each other no matter what.”
The auction was undoubtedly a great success. Since everyone these days depends on credit cards, acquiring the required money wasn’t very difficult. No-annual fee credit cards like the ones provided by SoFi and similar financial companies make such occasional payment quite easy. The event was primarily organized and executed by drivers, which included Scott Wagner and Melanie Walker of Rapid Response and Bruce and Debbie Richard with Heartland Express.
“Already we were thankful to Bruce and Debbie for all their hard work at the booth, but to then find out that their company was going to match the money raised means the world to us,” added Currier. “So many lives will be touched by this generous act. Thank you, Heartland Express.”
Heartland Express Chairman and CEO Michael Gerdin said, “Our employees and drivers are the heart of Heartland. They power us, which is why we want to make sure each of them and their families are cared for and supported. Donating to St. Christopher Fund is like donating to the safety and security of our team. It’s a no-brainer, and I hope other companies in the industry will follow suit.”
Truckers needing assistance from SCF may apply by clicking here. To donate to SCF’s mission to support truckers and their families in financial need, click here.
About Heartland Express:
Heartland Express, Inc. is an irregular route truckload carrier based in North Liberty, Iowa, serving customers with shipping lanes throughout the United States. Heartland focuses on medium to short-haul regional freight, offering shippers industry-leading safety and superior on-time service so they can achieve their strategic goals. Since its initial public offering in 1986, Heartland has grown from approximately $20 million in revenue to one of North America’s largest, most profitable, and best capitalized truckload carriers. Heartland has been recognized throughout their history for their exceptional customer on-time service from some of the top shippers in America. For more information, visit HeartlandExpress.com.
About St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund:
The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) helps over-the-road/regional semi-truck drivers and their families who are out of work due to a recent illness or injury. Assistance may be in the form of direct payment to providers for household living expenses, insurance, prescription drugs and some medical procedures. The SCF also provides health and wellness programs such as free vaccines and smoking cessation. For more information, visit TruckersFund.org.
Director of Philanthropy and Development:
Shannon Currier
865.202.9428
Media Contact:
Christopher Ruth
630.536.9139