Chairman Jim Perdue, left, joins Perdue Transportation Inc drivers at the 12th annual World’s Largest Truck Convoy to benefit Special Olympics.Perdue Farms’ professional truck drivers hit the road recently to participate in the 12th annual World’s Largest Truck Convoy to benefit Special Olympics Delaware.
Twenty-eight drivers from Perdue Transportation Inc joined the convoy and traveled a 28-mile route through southern Delaware that began and ended at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. The convoy featured a record 167 trucks representing 51 companies, and the event raised a record $45,000 for Special Olympics Delaware.
Perdue has participated in the World’s Largest Truck Convoy for seven years. This year, it continued its support of Special Olympics Delaware by sponsoring the festival at the World’s Largest Truck Convoy through a $5,000 grant funded by the Arthur W Perdue Foundation.
“Perdue’s contribution as sponsor of the post-convoy celebration is invaluable because it not only gives our truckers an opportunity to celebrate their contributions to the organization, but also the chance to meet, mingle with, and get to know the athletes and their families who came out to thank and cheer them on,” said Ann Grunert, executive director of Special Olympics Delaware. “Of course, having Jim Perdue there to thank the truckers and acknowledge the athletes made the day even more memorable for all in attendance.”
“At Perdue, we recognize the importance of supporting our communities through partnerships like this,” said Jim Perdue, company chairman. “It’s events like these that really showcase the heart and soul of our drivers. Their community efforts often go unsung, but that does not stop them from giving of their time. I’m inspired by their commitment in support of Special Olympics.”
The World’s Largest Truck Convoy was the creation of former truck driver and Orange County (FL) Sheriff’s Department Cpl Norm Schneiderhan, whose family is involved in the truck industry. He was so inspired by the impact Special Olympics has had on his life through participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, that he decided to create the World’s Largest Truck Convoy. It has since expanded to 26 states and four Canadian provinces.
The Arthur W Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W Perdue and Frank Perdue.
Access www.perdue.com for full details.
