The 2023 Mother's Day Truck Convoy and Carnival will take place on the grounds of the Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction on Mother’s Day, May 14.
The convoy is the largest fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley chapter, raising the funds needed to grant 75% of the annual wishes in the region.
Last year, the convoy raised upwards of $500,000. The goal for this year’s event is $700,000.
The event brings owner-operators and trucking companies from all over the Susquehanna Valley, as well as from across the country, with many drivers traveling thousands of miles to participate. In 2023, the group anticipates having up to 500 drivers representing hundreds of trucking companies.
It’s also a popular event for local residents, as it features carnival games, entertainment, local food trucks and more.
Drivers can now register to participate in this year’s convoy and fundraising efforts. There is no fee to register, but drivers must raise a minimum of $100 to be able to drive in the convoy.
In this year’s convoy, the first 30 trucks that will kick off the 26-mile route are the top 30 fundraisers from 2022. These individuals receive VIP treatment and recognition throughout the year and collectively raised more than $300,000 for Make-A-Wish in 2022. After the 2023 Convoy Fundraising Campaign concludes on June 18, the top 30 drivers for the 2024 convoy will be confirmed.
These drivers will be invited to a special Convoy Celebration in August or September to announce their rank in the top 30 and celebrate their success. This tradition of celebrating the top 30 fundraisers at the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy began very early in the event’s history.
Every driver that raises at least $1,000 but does not qualify in the top 30 earns the Grand Driver title. These individuals get a prime spot in the convoy and receive special recognition at the Convoy Celebration event.
The following edition of the Overdrive Radio podcast in 2019 remembered the very first Mother's Day Make-a-Wish convoy with a participant in then-trucker George Ruelens. You can read more about it at this lnik.
[Related: Mother's Day Convoy back fully; truckers raise money for Make-A-Wish]
