For the past 10 years, I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of an absolutely amazing event. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Make-A-Wish® Mother’s Day Convoy. Back in 1990, a young boy named Matt asked for a wish to ride in an 18 wheeler and to talk to his sister on a CB radio. Over forty trucks and drivers showed up that day to make Matt’s dream come true, and the tradition lives on. The convoy takes place in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and has grown into the World’s Largest Truck Convoy including a carnival, music, auctions, and other fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The festivities run from 8:30am to 3:30pm, with the convoy starting promptly at 1:30pm at the Burle Industrial Park on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 12th. Over 500 trucks, usually with around 100 Make-A-Wish® kids riding along, venture down the 26-mile route from Lancaster to Ephrata and back. Fans and family stand along the route, cheering on the trucks and their guests of honor along the way.
I have had the privilege of being able to have a “Wish Child” ride along with me all but one year. This event is one of the highlights of my year as I not only get to brighten the lives of these children and their families, but also the added bonus of being able to see my family that still live in the Lancaster area. I always tell people that once you participate in the event, either as a driver or a spectator, you’ll come back every year to celebrate this special event.
The money raised at the Mother’s Day Convoy is expected to cover the costs of about 75% of the wishes the Make-A-Wish® foundation grants in the Lancaster area. If you are interested in learning more about this event, here is the website for more details: http://philadesv.wish.org/ways-to-help/convoy