Averitt Express raised more than $500k for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. (Photo: Courtesy Averitt Express).

COOKEVILLE, TN (TruckingNewsNow.com) — Setting a record for its largest-ever donation, truck drivers and other employees of Averitt Express raised $550,001 in 2017 that was recently donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The donation was fueled by weekly contributions from Averitt employees as part of Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s charitable employee-giving program. More than 90 percent of Averitt employees participate in the program, giving $1 per week to help St. Jude and other important causes.

Since Averitt Cares for Kids began more than 30 years ago, it has contributed more than $9 million overall to numerous charities, including nearly $6.5 million to St. Jude.

“I’m humbled by our team’s giving spirit, and I’m proud of our efforts to help this great cause,” said Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and chief executive officer. “An important theme we often talk about is ‘The Power of One,’ the idea that everyone can make a difference. That’s why the extra $1 in this year’s contribution is so important, because it represents the difference that our team continues to make through weekly donations of $1. It’s a great example of what ‘The Power of One’ is all about.”

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, where the majority of St. Jude patients are treated. Averitt associates’ most recent contribution will continue to support the innovative 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.