Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and CEO, expressed his admiration for the team, stating, “The generosity and commitment of our associates continue to inspire me. Their dedication to supporting St. Jude helps make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing difficult challenges. We’re especially proud of the one dollar in that donation, which represents ‘The Power of One Dollar a Week’ and how we can all make a positive impact.”

Donations on the Rise

This latest contribution marks the fifth consecutive year that Averitt has surpassed its previous donations, consistently demonstrating its commitment to St. Jude’s mission of discovering treatments and cures for life-threatening pediatric diseases.

How the Averitt Cares for Kids Program Works

Averitt Charities is powered by voluntary $1 weekly payroll contributions through the company’s Averitt Cares for Kids program. To amplify the effort, Averitt also provides matching donations to recognize community service, achievements, and milestones by its associates. Impressively, 100% of the funds collected are dedicated to charitable causes, underscoring the organization’s commitment to giving back.

Since becoming St. Jude’s first corporate partner in 1990, the Averitt Cares for Kids program has donated over $14 million to the hospital. These contributions ensure critical support for St. Jude’s commitment to never charging families for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Their efforts help families focus entirely on their children’s recovery.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis, Tennessee, remains at the forefront of research, treatment, and cures for catastrophic childhood illnesses. Averitt’s longstanding partnership supports this mission, positively impacting countless children and their families worldwide.

For more details about the Averitt Cares for Kids program, visit Averitt.com/ACFK.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Averitt

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Ryder System Inc. has hit a historic milestone in 2024 by contributing a remarkable $1.15 million to United Way, representing the largest donation in the company’s four-decade-long partnership with the nonprofit.

“Each year, Ryder employees show up and demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the United Way,” stated Robert Sanchez, Ryder Chairman and CEO, as well as a former chairman of the board for United Way Miami. “Reaching this new giving record is a testament to their commitment to helping others, and I am so grateful to everyone who contributed. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to this year’s campaign co-chairs, Kendra Phillips, vice president for transportation management and brokerage, and Bill Dawson, senior vice president & chief of operations, for their exceptional leadership in making this achievement possible.”

This impressive total includes generous employee contributions augmented by a donation from the Ryder Charitable Foundation, according to a press release from the company.

Centered on the theme “Providing Essential Help Right HERE,” the 2024 workplace giving campaign brought Ryder employees together nationwide through a blend of in-person and virtual fundraising events. The campaign embodied the company’s ethos of community service while mirroring United Way’s key initiatives in health & wellbeing, education, resilient communities, and economic mobility.

The funds raised will directly support United Way chapters across the U.S., enabling them to address vital community needs. With these contributions, United Way chapters can continue programs that improve access to education, healthcare, and financial resources—helping build thriving communities where Ryder employees live and work.

“For more than 40 years, Ryder and United Way have partnered to provide essential resources to families in need, and this record-breaking $1.15 million donation ensures we can continue addressing critical challenges and creating a brighter future for our community,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami, the chapter that serves Ryder’s headquarters. “Ryder’s commitment to community-building and philanthropy has a tremendous impact, and their support for United Way makes a difference in the lives of individuals through programs and initiatives that provide access to health & wellbeing, education, resilient communities, and economic mobility.”

Ryder’s extraordinary contribution highlights not only the company’s dedication to philanthropy but also the power of collective employee action in making significant positive changes within local communities.

Source: The Trucker

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Making Awareness Mobile

“By leveraging our presence on roadways all over the country, we’re able to raise awareness and reach more people about important causes,” said Webb Estes, president and COO of Estes. “We look forward to seeing the impact of this new program and letting everyone know about the causes and nonprofits that Team Estes supports and believes in.”

Launching with a Longtime Partner

The first charity to benefit from this campaign is a familiar partner to Estes—the American Diabetes Association. Soon, communities nationwide will see trailers wrapped in vibrant designs highlighting the work of this important organization.

Supporting a Range of Important Causes

The American Diabetes Association isn’t the only nonprofit Estes is championing. Over the next year, additional trailers will feature organizations chosen for their meaningful contributions to society. These include:

• Alzheimer’s Association

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• ASPCA

• American Cancer Society

• National Forest Foundation

• Special Olympics

• Active Minds

• Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

• Operation Homefront

Bringing the Message to Communities Across the U.S.

These eye-catching trailer wraps will appear in markets nationwide, including Estes’ hometown of Richmond, Va. By combining the power of their nationwide reach with a heartfelt mission, Estes is making a difference one mile at a time.

“Open Heart, Open Road”: More Than Just a Slogan

This campaign illustrates Estes’ steadfast belief in giving back to communities and empowering their teams to champion the causes they care about most.

Stay tuned—you just might see one of these inspiring trailers on the road, sparking awareness and action for nonprofits that change lives every day.

Source: The Trucker
Image: Estes

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This generous contribution reflects Pilot’s commitment to supporting both the trucking industry and the families of service members. The funds will grant scholarship opportunities to eligible individuals, helping them start their trucking careers and strengthen the nation’s essential supply chain.

“It’s an honor for Pilot to continue to celebrate and honor the incredible heroes across our country—the truck drivers who safely put millions of miles on our highways to keep us going and our service members, first responders and their families who sacrifice so much for our nation,” said Wendy Hamilton, Chief of Staff at Pilot. “Giving back to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the communities we serve, especially through education, is a small way to show our gratitude and support their future. We look forward to seeing more truck drivers out here and are thankful for the work done through Folds of Honor and their scholarship programs.”

Folds of Honor, established in 2007, has so far delivered over 62,000 scholarships across all 50 states, amounting to nearly $290 million in educational aid. This shared mission aligns perfectly with Pilot’s efforts to give back to service members’ families by providing educational opportunities with lasting impact.

“Folds of Honor is grateful for the support of Pilot,” said Lt Col Dan Rooney, CEO and Founder of Folds of Honor. “This contribution will enable us to heighten our impact and further our mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s service members and first responders and educate their legacy. Pilot, its team members, and the individuals it serves are true patriots that understand the importance of education and are doing something about it.”

Source: Truckers News

Image: Truckers News

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Open Heart, Open Road Initiative

This effort is a part of Estes’ charitable program, Open Heart, Open Road, which focuses on giving back to the community. The program facilitates monetary donations and provides custom trailer decals as part of Estes’ employee-directed giving campaign. Estes emphasized their dedication to supporting organizations, such as the ADA, that create meaningful change in the communities they serve.

“By leveraging our presence on roadways all over the country, we’re able to raise awareness and reach more people about important causes, like diabetes,” said Webb Estes, president and COO of Estes. “We look forward to seeing the impact of this new program and letting everyone know about the causes and nonprofits that Team Estes supports and believes in.”

Raising Awareness Beyond November

Although these wraps debuted during National Diabetes Awareness Month, their mission will extend well beyond November. The trailers, featuring impactful graphics and messaging, will continue to spread awareness for years. Additionally, the trailer wraps include QR codes on the rear doors, allowing anyone who encounters the trailers to learn more about diabetes and participate in the cause.

Partnership with Impact

“American Diabetes Month is the perfect time to roll out this unique way of raising awareness about diabetes. We’re grateful to Estes Express Lines for joining us in the fight to improve the lives of people affected by diabetes — and ultimately to find a cure,” said Rhodes Ritenour, chair of the ADA’s Board of Directors.

About Estes

Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Estes Express Lines is North America’s largest privately held freight carrier. With its fleet now championing impactful messaging, Estes continues to show how its charitable work drives meaningful change on and off the road.

Through their ongoing support for nonprofits and innovative awareness programs, Estes Express Lines is demonstrating the power of transportation in making a lasting difference.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Estes Express Lines

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