Kissimmee, Florida:

On Monday, March 9, 2015, the Big 80’s came back in style for one “awesome” night during the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) second-annual gala to benefit the organization’s Scholarship Fund.

The event raised $230,000 for the Scholarship Fund, which has been providing scholarships for students affiliated with TCA members since 1973. Beginning with tables and individual seats purchased in advance by various companies and individuals, the gala consisted of an 80’s-themed reception and dinner, the chance to bid on wonderful auction prizes (both silently and with an auctioneer), and the opportunity to get up close and personal with the iconic 80’s pop legend, Rick Springfield.

The Gala’s sponsors were Pilot Flying J of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Freightliner Trucks of Duluth, Georgia.

“We’re very grateful to our sponsors because they offset most of the costs, making it possible for 100% of the table and auction proceeds to go directly to the Scholarship Fund. That’s a major financial boost for our tax-deductible 501(c)(3) charity,” said Debbie Sparks, TCA’s vice president of development.

Josh Kaburick, chairman of the TCA Scholarship Fund and the CEO of Earl L. Henderson Trucking Company of Salem, Illinois, said, “What a way to support trucking families – this gala is critical to our ongoing ability to provide scholarships of up to $6,250 per student. Also, I have to say it was ‘totally tubular’ to see the senior management of some of North America’s most influential truckload carriers donning their preppy fashions, jean jackets, and ‘big hair’ to ‘party to the max’ for such a good cause!”

The four, live auction items consisted of a luxury golf resort package, ringside seats and behind-the-scenes access to a World Heavyweight Championship fight, “gnarly” diamond earrings, and airfare, accommodations, registration, dinner, and a spa treatment at TCA’s next annual convention, scheduled for March 6-9, 2016, at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Silent auction items included a hot air balloon ride, a football autographed by Peyton Manning, a Nascar race package, an Apple iPad mini, jewelry, trips, and more.

TCA’s scholarships are awarded to students associated with the truckload industry without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, or religion. Prospective scholarship recipients must meet certain requirements, such as financial need, scholastic achievement, and high character and integrity.

To view photos from the event, click here.