Fleet delivers $500,000 for children’s hospital

Drivers and other employees at Averitt Express, which is based in Cookeville, Tennessee, raised $500,000 last year and donated to  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently. The contribution matches the amount raised in 2015.

The donation was made possible by weekly contributions from employees as part of its employee giving program, Averitt Cares for Kids. More than 86 percent of Averitt employees are part of the program, giving $1 per week to help St. Jude and other causes.

Tampa service center director Dick Wiggins spends 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.Tampa service center director Dick Wiggins spends 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.

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 recognition of Averitt Cares for Kids’ contributions, St. Jude has twice honored Averitt Express with its “Employee Giving Company of the Year” distinction.