Touch A Truck Recap
God is good ALL the time and ALL the time, God is good! Prayers were answered and the rain was held at bay, allowing Touch A Truck to move forward as a huge success both in the community and on the books! The event had people traveling from as far as Staten Island, Spring Lake and even Pomona, New York State. With an estimate of over 700 people in attendance and nearly all the food sold out by the end of the three hour event, it was a financial success for EC’s PTO, who had their sights set on Smart Boards for the elementary school. Mission accomplished!
From the last event, there was an over 65% growth in proceeds and we have to thank our sponsors for this as they allowed the event to capitalize on all the sales that took place from the tickets to the ice-cream trolley from the Truck Stop SWAG shop to the Gator Rides. Event sponsors Visbeen Construction and Russo Development rolled in as our Fire Truck Sponsors as did our North Haledon Fire Department with their Hook & Ladder truck! Wayne Tile kept everyone’s bellies satisfied as our Pit Stop Sponsor with Burgers & Dogs on the Barbie and hot pretzels, cold ice-cream and homemade cookies available for purchase.
This year’s Touch A Truck had over 40 vehicles including a Military Unimog, Old fashion Tractor, Boom Truck, SWAT Vehicle and Criminal Investigation Unit. The Paterson K-9 unit had two demonstrations exemplifying their well-trained partner’s on the job roles. Children and adults lined the center island at the Middle School, watching with awe as large German Shepherds sniffed out hidden contraband and took down an officer role playing a criminal under pursuit.
The first hour was reserved for quiet time and while air horns were nearly used up by the end of the second hour, children persisted in their exploration of all gadgets and buttons on every vehicle. Trucks were the focus for much of the show but there was also a Tesla XL on display and several other personal vehicles. Donors were generous in their time and all the driver’s, who were volunteers from the various companies being represented, were treated to lunch and a T-shirt. The TAT committee found the ECMS campus more suitable for such a large scale demonstration. They too were generous with their time and commitment to this event. A huge thanks to Alissa Leegwater, Catherine Belanus, Denise Wiegers, Katie Tarta, Lindsey Tuit and Shalom Russo as well as Lynda Vincenti, Lynette Matthews and Thelma Minnaar for their tireless service.
If you are interested in joining the Touch A Truck committee, please email espto@ooohang.com
See you in 2018!