Smiles For Miles – 5th Annual Trucks For Smiles
The 5th Annual
Trucks For Smiles, sponsored and hosted by W.W. Friedline, Inc., was held on
Saturday, June 29th at the Somerset County Fairgrounds in
Meyersdale, PA. Trucks For Smiles raises
funds for the Make-A-Wish® Greater PA and WV chapter.
Although storm clouds
threatened the skies, the rain never made an appearance throughout the day. 126
registered trucks, including fire trucks and emergency vehicles, attended the
event. The fairground was the perfect
place to host the truck show – plenty of tables to relax and enjoy the
delicious food from the vendors, lots of games and activities for the children
and beautiful scenery that added the perfect backdrop to the magnificent big
rigs on display.
The highlight of the day
was when all of the drivers and their trucks lined up for the Trucks For Smiles
Convoy. Make-A-Wish Kids climbed into
the cabs of some of the trucks and the convoy rolled out of the fairgrounds
parking lot with horns resounding a proclamation that today belonged to some
very special passengers. It truly was an
inspiring sight to witness as the Convoy made its proud journey down the
highway.
Because of the generosity
and kindness of the trucking industry, over $51,000 was raised during the 5th
Annual Trucks For Smiles. Keri Friedline
commented, “The average Wish costs about $4,000 (with variance depending on the
child’s wish). That is enough money to grant over 12 wishes! Thank you
sponsors, volunteers, friends and family that make this event a success each
year! Convoy leader Pleasant Trucking of
Connellsville raised over $17,000 alone! M & C Trucking of Seward, PA
raised over $10,000 and Don Landis Trucking purchased the 2019 hand painted
glass sign by Casey Kennell for OVER $4,000.
We are so grateful to be
surrounded by generous businesses and individuals. The amount of support behind
this fundraiser is so heartwarming. To see drivers with their wives,
girlfriends, kids shining up their trucks or selling candy bars to collect
donations is nothing shy of humbling. They did it for the kids. The Wish kids.
The local children that needed it more than themselves. It’s not just another
day, to some, to many, it’s a family affair.”
Additional photos from the
5th Annual Trucks For Smiles can be found on pages 24 & 25. Our complete photo coverage of the show is
available at this Gallery