Insurance Auto Auctions to Host World’s Largest Truck Convoy to Benefit Special Olympics Washington
For Immediate Release
Jeanene O’Brien
Vice President, Marketing
708-492-7328
www.iaai.com
Insurance Auto Auctions to Host World’s Largest Truck Convoy to Benefit Special Olympics Washington
Westchester, Ill. — Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc., the leading hybrid model salvage auto auction company, today announced its support of the World’s Largest Truck Convoy and will host the celebration for participants and Special Olympics Washington athletes. This annual event, which unites law enforcement and truckers to raise funds for Special Olympic athletes, will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009. More than 3,000 trucks nationwide — big rigs to dump trucks — will traverse 1,000 miles during this Guinness Book of World Records-breaking event. In addition, Insurance Auto Auctions will be donating a minivan to the City of Tukwila for use with its Police Department Explorers Unit.
“Insurance Auto Auctions has a long history of working with charitable organizations through its Donation Division and is proud to support the Special Olympics Washington athletes, event participants, and the law enforcement in the city of Tukwila,” said Tom O’Brien, CEO. “We are pleased to offer our 35-acre facility in Tukwila, just outside of Seattle, as the destination for hundreds of trucks of all sizes for this grand event and historic celebration.” O’Brien stated.
“We couldn’t think of a better place to host this year’s World’s Largest Truck Convoy event than at Insurance Auto Auctions’ facility,” said Mary Do, Development Director, Special Olympics Washington. “The fact that there is plenty of room for hundreds of big rigs and to celebrate with all of the participants who help support our 6,700 athletes throughout Washington is simply extraordinary,” Do said.
“On behalf of the officers in the city of Tukwila we thank Insurance Auto Auctions for their generosity and willingness to donate a vehicle for use in our Explorers Unit,” stated Officer Ted Rutt of Tukwila Police Department. “We also are pleased to offer our police-escort to hundreds of trucks during the event that helps support Special Olympics Washington athletes.” Officer Rutt added.
About Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc.
Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. provides the advantage in salvage auto
auctions with its hybrid auction model combining live and live-online
auctions, North America’s broadest salvage auction facility footprint, a
strong global buyer base and high vehicle returns. IAA’s more than 150
corporate owned facilities across the United States and Canada provide
vehicle suppliers and buyers with powerful solutions to process and
acquire total-loss, recovered-theft, fleet lease, donation and rental
vehicles. The IAA Hybrid Auction Model, including live, live-online, and
proxy bidding, united with its mature global buyer base and diverse
inventory, produce some of the industry’s highest returns for vehicle
providers. With over 26 years in the industry, IAA holds the most
comprehensive warehouse of salvage auction data. For more information
regarding IAA visit our website at www.iaai.com.
About Special Olympics Washington
Special Olympics Washington provides year-round sports training and
competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By
participating in sports, physical fitness and healthcare education
programs, Special Olympics Washington athletes increase self-confidence
and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better
success in leading more productive and independent lives. Special
Olympics Washington programs and services are provided at no fee to
athletes and their families. Our organization relies entirely on private
funding from individuals, corporations and
foundations to cover the annual budget. For more information, contact Mary Do at (206)548-6702, or visit www.sowa.org.
Facts to note about the World’s Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics:
• Kickoff for 2009 Special Olympics Washington will take place Saturday,
September 26, 2009 at the Tacoma Dome, Parking Lot G – the convoy
departs at 9 a.m.
• Police-escorted convoy arrives about 11 a.m. at Insurance Auto
Auctions, Tukwila facility, located at 8801 East Marginal Way South.
• Awards Presentation will be held at 2 p.m.
• Special Olympics Washington rose over $25,000 in 2008.
• Over 2,000 trucks participated and $643,000 was raised nationally in 2008.
• 26 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces participated in 2008.
• Currently there are 6,700 Special Olympics Washington athletes.
• Meet and greet with Jack Jessee of TV series “Ice Road Truckers”
Suggested exit ramps for media to view the police-escorted convoy via overpasses include:
In Tukwila:
• Southcenter Parkway/Tukwila Parkway
• Exit 157 Martin Luther King Way Overpass
In Tacoma:
• Exit 134 East 28th/Portland Avenue
• Exit 137 54th East/20th Street East
• Exit 142 B Federal Way- 188th and Orilla Road South
• Exit 149 A and Highway 516
