For the ninth year in a row, Fleet Advantage sponsored the Kids Drawing and Writing Contest at the IFDA National Championship in Fort Lauderdale. The event brings together top drivers and warehouse professionals from the foodservice distribution world, and the contest gives their families a meaningful way to celebrate the hard work that keeps the industry moving.
“This year, we were thrilled to receive over 80 drawing and writing entries,” said Lisa Broyhill, vice president of industry relations for IFDA. “The creativity, emotion, and pride these children express every year are a touching reflection of the commitment our competitors show daily. We’re grateful for Fleet Advantage’s continued partnership and their dedication to celebrating the families that make this industry so special.”
The foodservice distribution sector depends on the professionals who keep freight moving safely and on schedule. Fleet Advantage continues to highlight the families who support those workers day in and day out.
For nearly a decade, the Kids Drawing and Writing Contest has given children a chance to describe why their parent or guardian is their hero. The entries are heartfelt, creative, and often surprisingly deep for their age groups.
This year’s drawing contest winner for second grade and below was Payton Keiser, child of Justin Keiser from Dot Foods. In the third through fifth grade writing category, first place went to Aumber Singh, daughter of Harjinder Singh from Mondelez. “My dad reminds me of the Disney character Beast because he is strong and kindhearted. My dad works hard like a Beast and sometimes looks serious,” Aumber said. Second place went to Avery Gomez, daughter of Gustavo Gomez from Performance Food Group, and third place went to Declan Falconburg, son of James Falconburg from Nicholas and Company.
In the sixth through eighth grade writing group, first place was awarded to Emilie Ditscheit, daughter of Mark Ditscheit from Performance Food Group. “My competitor shows me that being a hero is not all about superpowers, it’s about lifting others and making a difference in their lives,” Emilie said. Micky Parker, daughter of Mike Parker from Shamrock Foods, earned second place, and third place went to Aaryn Kissire, daughter of Jason Kissire from Vistar and PFG.
The ninth through twelfth grade writing category was topped by Annabelle Nichols, daughter of Richard Arens from Performance Foodservice. “He’s my hero because he didn’t just step into my life; he stepped into my heart,” Nicholson said. Second place went to Ilyana Vasquez, daughter of William Vasquez from Shamrock Foods, and third place was awarded to Natalie Heredia, daughter of Luciano Heredia, also from Shamrock Foods.
Fleet Advantage noted that this year’s entries showed impressive creativity and genuine admiration for the drivers and warehouse workers who keep the nation’s foodservice network running strong.
The IFDA National Championship itself is one of the leading events in the foodservice distribution world. Drivers and warehouse professionals compete in challenges that test precision, safety, and real-world skills. It is a chance for the industry to recognize the people who keep goods moving long before they reach a restaurant or grocery store.
“Drivers and warehouse operators are the heart of our food supply chain,” said Katerina Jones, CMO of Fleet Advantage. “We are honored to continue recognizing the individuals and families who support this vital industry. The Kids Drawing and Writing Contest is a heartfelt reminder that behind every competitor is a family filled with pride, admiration, and love.”
For truckers everywhere, the message resonates. Families may not be in the cab every day, but they fuel the miles. This contest gives those families a moment to shine and reminds the industry who is cheering behind every load.
Image Source: Fleet Advantage
Source: The Trucker
