More than 95 drivers got behind the wheel of race carts to compete on a one-fourth-mile outdoor track in Mashpee, Massachusetts. For the third year in a row, the race was won by a team of drivers from the Mashpee Police and Fire Departments in a cart donated by Advantage Truck Group and Robert B. Our.
More than $9 million has been collected and distributed in the two decades since the race's inception. Since 2015, Advantage Truck Group has participated in the charitable event and sponsored a team of first responders.
TEL donates to Wounded Warrior Project
An Army veteran, Carmichael, added that several TEL employees and trucking customers are former military personnel, some of whom sustained injuries as a result of their service.
"Having served in South Korea in the 1970s and later as an Army drill instructor and teacher, I have some understanding of the ins and outs of serving our country. I cannot imagine the added burden of bearing the scars of battle and war," he said. "To our brothers and sisters who served and came home with the scars of war, the least we can do is to donate a portion of the favor that the good Lord has bestowed upon us and our company."
Darden provides 10 reefer trucks to Feeding America
The hunger-fighting donation was made possible by a $2 million grant from the Darden Restaurants Foundation and support from Penske Truck Leasing and Lineage Foundation. Each truck can transport up to 12,000 lbs. of food. They'll become part of mobile food pantry programs at food banks with the greatest need, Darden reported.
See also: Focus on training and competition a winning combo for Penske
"All of us at Darden have a shared purpose to nourish and delight everyone we serve, and our commitment to service extends beyond our restaurants into our communities," Rick Cardenas, Darden president and CEO, said in a news release. "As a restaurant company, we are able to make a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger. Through our long-standing partnership with Feeding America and our legacy Harvest food donation program, we can help individuals and families gain access to nutritious food."
Read more details on Refrigerated Transporter.
UAF Awards over 350 scholarships
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) has awarded 378 scholarships to students throughout the country, totaling $640,250 for the upcoming school year.
Those awarded scholarships will attend a two-year or four-year college or university or an accredited automotive vocational program. While most of the students are studying to become mechanical, collision, or heavy-duty repair professionals, others are pursuing degrees in business, engineering, and IT/cybersecurity for a career in the automotive aftermarket.
"It's wonderful to see so many students looking to the aftermarket as a career path and applying for scholarships to help get them there," said Mike Buzzard, AAP, chairman of the UAF scholarship committee. "Awarding so many scholarships would not be possible without the generosity of those who donate their time and resources to UAF. Their support helps ensure that the aftermarket remains vibrant and strong through education."
To apply for a 2024-25 academic year scholarship, visit AutomotiveScholarships.com or HeavyDutyScholarships.com.
Fleet Advantage gives to TruckersFinalMile.org and Truckers Against Trafficking
Fleet Advantage, an equipment financing and management company, has made two separate donations through its Kids Around The Corner Foundation (KATC) to TruckersFinalMile.org and Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT).
Since 2021, KATC has donated to TruckersFinalMile.org annually to help the nonprofit reunite truck drivers and their families in times of crisis, loss of life, debilitating injuries, or serious illnesses. Almost a decade since beginning its assistance in May 2014, TruckersFinalMile.org has helped reunite more than 500 truck drivers and their families.
KATC is also donating funds for the first time as a "Gold Level" sponsor to Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). TAT is a nonprofit organization that has operated since 2009 to educate, equip, empower, and mobilize industry members to combat human trafficking.
"It's exciting to see a company like Fleet Advantage lend its influence and resources to combat human trafficking," stated Esther Goetsch, TAT executive director. "Recognizing the unique role the trucking industry can play in helping recognize and report human trafficking and become potential points of safety and recovery for victims is inspiring. We are so grateful to Fleet Advantage for helping advance our mission and truly believe that together, we are changing lives."
