Inaugural “Highway to Hope” Virtual Concert to Benefit the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund Raises More Than $75,000

August 2021

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) is pleased to announce that the inaugural “Highway to Hope” virtual benefit concert raised more than $75,000 to help support professional over-the-road and regional drivers recently out of work because of an injury or illness. The concert was headlined by country music singer Wynonna Judd with husband Cactus Moser and the Big Noise Band along with other country music artists who support the trucking industry through their music, including John Schneider, Billy Dean, Lindsay Lawler and Heath Sanders.

The first ever virtual concert for SCF was hosted by a familiar voice in the trucking industry, Radio Nemo host Jimmy Mac, along with support from Radio Nemo’s Donna Horton and production and live streaming by Tanner and Blake Brandell from Omni Productions, LLC, in Springfield, MO.

“SCF’s mission is all about HOPE. Hope for drivers when they need financial assistance because of an injury or illness, hope for a healthy life on the road with our health and wellness programs, and hope and encouragement during those long days, weeks and months on the road away from their families. Thank you to everyone that made this first ever Highway to Hope event possible and thank everyone that joined us for the livestream. Your support will make a difference in the lives of the men and women we love, appreciate, and depend on. We hope you will join us for the next event!” says Shannon Currier, Director of Philanthropy and Development with St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.

“What an honor to be a part of something bigger than myself. Thank you, Shannon Currier, of SCF for inviting me to collaborate on the first ever Highway to Hope concert. This event was meant to bring HOPE to the trucking community. To remind the drivers that they are appreciated and cherished! To give HOPE that they too will be taken care of should they ever need it, just as they take care of us on a daily basis,” Donna Horton, Radio Nemo Senior Sponsor Relations Representative.

Corporate sponsors from the trucking industry came out in droves to support this event and the truck drivers that are so essential to our economic recovery following the COVID19 pandemic, including our top tier Presenting sponsors NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) and freight transportation and supply management company Averitt Express.

“I sincerely hope you bought a ticket to The Highway To Hope concert May 16th. NASTC was one of two title sponsors for the event that raised money for The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. NASTC’s involvement with SCF expands more than a decade. Kudos for this production go out especially to Donna Horton with Radio Nemo, Debbie Lamberson, Dana Campbell and Amanda Hall from NASTC, and Donna Kennedy, Shannon Currier, Julie Dillon, Dana Karnowski and Nick Oliver from The St. Christopher Fund. We’re especially grateful to the artists for their time and support. “Wy” as she’s fondly known in the “biz” is the best,” David Owen, NASTC President.

"Averitt Express was honored to participate in the effort to support the men and women who provide such a vital service to our country. The professional truck drivers are truly the backbone of our economy's entire supply chain. The associates at Averitt Express thrive in an environment and culture that together, as associates, we have helped to create and nurture. An environment that focuses on our associates, our customers, and our future all while being good citizens in the communities we serve. Providing support to the Highway to Hope event, and the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is another example of this. Thank you for including us." Danny Crooks, Vice President Corporate Transportation.

The event was supported by other sponsors who stepped forward to support the event including GlobalTranz, Progressive Commercial Insurance, Acuity Insurance, Red Kap, Brenny Transportation, Total Quality Logistics, CH Robinson, Cocoon MDR, TA Express Coffee Cup Travel Plazas, Volvo, Echo Global Logistics, Allen Lund, Shell Rotella and Doggett Freightliner.

“We are so appreciative of all the artists for their time, all the sponsors for their support, and every individual that purchased a ticket to this amazing event,” Donna Kennedy, SCF Executive Director.

SCF also released an artist podcast series in conjunction with this event. The SCF Highway to Hope podcast is produced by Greg Thompson of the Podwheels Network. You can hear all the artist interviews on our podcast page at truckersfund.org/scf-podcasts.

The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) is a 501(c)(3), truck driver charity that helps over-the-road / regional semi-truck drivers and their families when an illness or injury, occurring within the last year, has caused them to be out of work. More than 70% of the 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the U.S. have one or more serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease. These essential workers spend long durations away from home, work irregular hours and are often unable to get to a clinic, pharmacy or hospital. Minor illnesses become severe, leading to hospitalization and disability. Loss of their commercial driver’s license can result in them being unable to work, and financial hardship.