From 1990 to 1995, members from the Massachusetts & Maine Professional Truck Drivers Associations participated in the Pennsylvania Drivers Charity Competition for Easter Seals. The competition was the brain child of Ron Bowman of the Pennsylvania Drivers Association, a driver for Getty Petroleum. The event raised over $20,000 net each year with over 100 drivers each time. Planning got underway for a New England regional competition in 1996. It was to be a collaborative effort of the driver associations in New England. It was initially called the New England Professional Truck Drivers Charity Challenge. The Associations involved were the Massachusetts Professional Truck Drivers Association (MPTDA), the Maine Professional Drivers Association (MPDA), The New Hampshire Professional Drivers Association (NHPDA) and the Connecticut Professional Drivers Association (CPDA). After the 1997 competition, Champions Council of New York (CCNY) came on board and the name of the event was changed to the NORTHEAST PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVERS CHARITY CHALLENGE. The co-chairmen of the event are Fred Schenk & Bob Darling of Massachusetts.The committee includes Denis Litalien representing Maine, Mickey Rafeal representing New Hampshire, Roland Bolduc representing Connecticut and Al Charbonneau representing New York.
Over 500 drivers from all over the Northeast have participated in the eight events since 1997. We have had drivers from Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, New Mexico and Canada. All of the proceeds go to benefit the children and research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. To date the total net contributions from the participating drivers and sponsoring companies is $150,000.00, with a total gross contribution of $275,000.00!
The event is a driving skills competition featuring 10 obstacles or problems to negotiate. There are 10 different classes of competition. Trophies are awarded for the top three scores in each class and also the top fundraisers. Trophies are also awarded for the optional pre-trip inspection and written test. The only requirement is a valid CDL license. The event is held each year at the Devens Commerce Center in Devens, Massachusetts usually on the third Sunday in September. This year the date is Sunday September 23, 2007.
Over 500 drivers from all over the Northeast have participated in the eight events since 1997. We have had drivers from Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, New Mexico and Canada. All of the proceeds go to benefit the children and research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. To date the total net contributions from the participating drivers and sponsoring companies is $150,000.00, with a total gross contribution of $275,000.00!
The event is a driving skills competition featuring 10 obstacles or problems to negotiate. There are 10 different classes of competition. Trophies are awarded for the top three scores in each class and also the top fundraisers. Trophies are also awarded for the optional pre-trip inspection and written test. The only requirement is a valid CDL license. The event is held each year at the Devens Commerce Center in Devens, Massachusetts usually on the third Sunday in September. This year the date is Sunday September 23, 2007.