WESTLAKE, Ohio—TravelCenters of America Inc. (TA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary by giving $50,000 to charities selected by TA team members.
TA employees nationwide submitted their favorite charitable organizations for consideration. A committee including 15 of TA’s most tenured employees, each with over 42 years with the company, selected the 10 organizations to receive $5,000 each. The recipients are:
- America’s VetDogs
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
- National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM)
- Save the Children
- Shriners Hospitals for Children
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- The City Mission (Cleveland)
- U.S.VETS (United States Veterans Initiative)
- Wounded Warrior Project
- Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation
“We are grateful to the TravelCenters of America team for their donation to support Veteran programming at the NVMM,” said Colonel William Butler, U.S. Army (retired), chief of staff at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. “TA’s commitment to veterans will directly support our Resilience and Wellness programming which studies have shown can reduce veterans’ PTSD symptoms.”
In addition to the $50,000 in contributions, TA is fostering a culture of giving back during its golden anniversary. Team members are encouraged to complete 50 hours of community service throughout the year.
“Our 50th anniversary is an incredible milestone, and I can think of no better way to celebrate than by continuing TA’s rich history of giving back,” said Jon Pertchik, chief executive officer of TravelCenters of America. “For 50 years, we have built our loyal customer base because of the dedication of our passionate team members and we are excited that dozens of them who have worked at the company from the beginning led us on this initiative.”
Last month, TA announced it was once again supporting the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) with its annual Round Up campaign. The campaign began on July 1 and will run through September 1. Guests at participating TA, Petro and TA Express locations will have the opportunity to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with the difference being donated directly to SCF to help support truck drivers in need of assistance because injury or illness has taken them off the road within the last year.
“Providing support for the hardworking men and women who keep our country moving has always been a top priority for everyone at TA,” said Pertchik. “While TA can provide truckers with everything they need when they are on the road, it is the amazing team at SCF that helps them when they are sidelined and cannot be on the road.”
TA has been supporting SCF since 2010, raising more than $3 million dollars through campaigns and initiatives, including the Round Up campaign, which is now in its third year. Funds raised by SCF help professional drivers who find themselves in need of assistance while out of work due to a medical issue. In addition, SCF offers several other benefits for the driver community, including tobacco cessation programs, health and wellness guidance and free vaccines.
“We are so grateful for the longstanding relationship with the team at TravelCenters of America and for all the support they have given us over the past 12 years,” said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy at SCF. “Drivers both at home and on the road need our support and the support of our amazing partners and sponsors.”