COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Matching their largest-ever donation for the second-consecutive year, truck drivers and other employees of Averitt Express raised $500,000 in 2016 that was recently donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The donation was made possible by weekly contributions from Averitt employees as part of its charitable employee-giving program, Averitt Cares for Kids. More than 86 percent of Averitt employees are members of the program, giving $1 per week to help St. Jude and other charitable causes.
Averitt Cares for Kids has been in existence for more than 30 years, contributing close to $8.5 million to various charities, including nearly $6 million to St. Jude.
“I’m proud of our team’s generosity that makes a donation like this possible,” said Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and chief executive officer. “An important part of our culture is the idea of ‘The Power of One,’ that everyone can make a difference. And with weekly donations of just $1, our associates have shown the power of one dollar, and what is possible when we work together for a great cause.”
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.
Photo: Tampa service center director Dick Wiggins spends some quality time with a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patient as part of Averitt Express’ recent trip to the Memphis facility to present a donation from Averitt’s employees.
Topics: Recruiting
