During Truck Driver Appreciation Week we reported on the organization that was attempting the longest trucking convoy and their efforts at raising awareness about the Special Olympics. Seems they did more than raise awareness – they also raised nearly $85,000 for their trouble.
The money and charity is nice but…did they get their record?
They most certainly did. Last week’s convoy in Wisconsin pulled in 141 semi trucks and a flank of law enforcement vehicles to make Wisconsin participants the record “World’s Longest Trucking Convoy” to date for the event. For the past four years, Wisconsin’s Convoy has been the top fundraising convoy and has raised more than $606,506 since 2005 to benefit people with intellectual disabilities and to garner support for America’s truckers.
The event takes place in more than 22 states and four Canadian provinces, and is partnered with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, a grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle that brings law enforcement officials together with Special Olympics athletes.
Best of all, it gives truck drivers the chance to give back to their communities and boost the public’s image of truck drivers, which has been waning a bit in the last few years.
“It always brings a tear to my eye when (the athletes) stand on the bridge and waive their signs. I always say, ‘if it doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, you don’t have a heart,’” explained Badger Utility trucker Ron Mathiesen, who began participating in the Convoy with his wife Nita six years ago. “(Participating in this event) is a way I can help for everything that was done for my son (who was in Special Olympics) years ago. A form of repayment with the money we’re able to raise.”
Have a look at some of the event pictures from this year’s big winning convoy in Wisconsin.
For more information about the World’s Largest Truck Convoy, contact
Julie Buedding, Director of Development
Special Olympics Wisconsin
Phone: (608) 442-5668
E-mail: [email protected]