COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (March 31, 2016) — Truck drivers and other employees of Averitt Express raised $500,000 in 2015 that was recently donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a formal event held at the hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
The donation was fueled by weekly contributions from Averitt employees during 2015 as part of Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s charitable employee-giving program. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of its inception in 2016, Averitt Cares for Kids has contributed nearly $8 million to various charities, a total that includes more than $5 million to St. Jude.
This year’s $500,000 contribution to St. Jude matches the company’s largest employee-contribution in history, which was in 2008.
Thanks to the generous support of Averitt Express and its associates, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food - because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
“An important part of our team’s culture is the idea of ‘The Power of One,’” said Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and CEO. “With weekly donations of just $1, our associates have shown the power of one dollar, and the power of working together as a team for a good cause. I am truly humbled by our team’s willingness to provide support to families everywhere who are affected by childhood cancers and other life-threatening diseases.”
In September 2007, Averitt Cares for Kids completed a $1.5 million endowment to help fund the initial construction of the St. Jude Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinic, through which the majority of St. Jude patients are treated. Averitt associates' most recent contribution will continue to support the groundbreaking research and lifesaving care at St. Jude, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinic.
In recognition of Averitt Cares for Kids' contributions, St. Jude has twice honored Averitt Express with its “Employee Giving Company of the Year” distinction.
More information about “Averitt Cares for Kids” can be found at AverittExpress.com/AverittCares.
Above: During the recent visit to present St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with the 2015 Averitt Cares for Kids donation, Louisville operations manager Jimmy Hoskins shares some quality time with a patient.
