From left to right: Erica Wood (Co-President, Opus for Person-to-Person), event co-chairmen Jacqueline Telgheder and Felice Marcy, Dave Campbell (President and CEO, Ring’s End Lumber and selectman), event co-chiarman Carol Faherty, and Sarah Konecke (Co-President, Opus for Person -to-Person)
Excavators, tractors, diggers, fire engines and other larger-than-life trucks and cars are rolling into town on Sunday, Sept. 30 for Opus’ 10th annual Big Rig Gig, a hands-on truck experience and fundraising event for the whole family. Children of all ages will get up close and personal with more than 20 trucks, ranging from traditional construction and rescue vehicles to a one-of-a-kind monster truck. This year’s event features a brand new carousel, children’s petting zoo from the Beardsley Zoo, the Roaming Railroad, musical entertainment by the Bossy Frog Band, bouncy castles, food and so much more.
Those who purchase their tickets in advance will save $10 per family, and the first 150 families who purchase tickets prior to the event will receive limited edition Big Rig Gig reusable tote bags. Parents also can win exciting items from the onsite raffle and silent auction such as a children’s bicycle from Pedal & Pump, Jet Blue airline tickets, a gift card for classes at Green Moon, themed birthday packages from Darien Playhouse and Darien Nature Center, and a Fitness Package from Equinox Gym. Lunch and snacks provided by Uncle’s Deli, Palmer’s Market and Planet Pizza will be available for purchase, as well as t-shirts, hard hats and balloons.
A new addition to the Big Rig Gig will be the legendary Black Widow monster truck, which is 11 feet high, 19 feet long, more than 12 feet wide and weighs at 9,600 lbs. The Black Widow’s tires alone are larger than most children. Returning this year is the interactive “Truck Track” game where children will embark on a scavenger hunt and follow a “Truck Track” throughout the event in search of five designated trucks.
A map of the “Truck Track” is featured in this week’s Darien Times and will also be distributed upon entry at the event. Kids will seek out five trucks highlighted on the map and receive a stamp at each designated pit stop. Children who receive all five stamps will receive a fun prize.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of this dynamic community event,” said Sarah Konecke, Opus for Person-to-Person Co-President. “Opus volunteers have worked tirelessly to make this year’s Big Rig Gig a fresh and exciting event for families to enjoy, while raising critical funds for Person-to-Person at the same time.”
Ring’s End has signed on for the fourth consecutive year as the lead sponsor for the Big Rig Gig. Its commitment to the local community and continued support of this important Opus fundraising event helps contribute to the more than 21,500 clients that benefit from Person-to-Person services annually.
“Sponsoring Opus’ 10th annual Big Rig Gig is an important way for us to show our ongoing commitment to the families of this community,” said Dave Campbell, President and CEO, Ring’s End Lumber and Darien selectman.
“It is Ring’s End’s honor to be involved with an organization that so positively makes a difference in the lives of local residents in need,” he said.
Connecticut Green and Palmer’s Market have joined as key sponsors of this year’s Big Rig Gig. Additional sponsors include Darien Disposal Service, Inc., Darien Pediatrics, Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, The Little Gym, Maureen Bloom’s Playdates, Sergio’s Painting, Stop & Shop, Town Electric and Venture Portraits.
Serendipity Magazine has signed on as the media sponsor for this year’s Big Rig Gig. The lifestyle magazine will provide readers with access to pre-and-post event information and coverage.
A critical initiative for Opus is to help raise money for the Person-to-Person Emergency Food Pantry, which is under-stocked and in need of replenishing. This past summer, Person-to-Person provided families who qualify for the elementary school free lunch program with groceries from the Emergency Food Pantry. Due to the demands of this initiative, helping to restock the Emergency Food Pantry is vital – and why Opus is emphasizing the need for Grocery Bag Donations at the Big Rig Gig.
Residents can help restock the Person-to-Person Food Pantry, which fed more than 13,000 people in 2011, through a generous pledge to feed a family by purchasing groceries for a specified period of time. Grocery bag donations may be made onsite at the Big Rig Gig or online by visiting www.opus4p2p.org.
The Big Rig Gig will be held September 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Darien Town Hall (lower parking lot – 2 Renshaw Road, Darien). In the event of rain, the festivities will be held inside the Darien Town Hall gym. Admission is $30 in advance and $40 at the door per family. All proceeds benefit Opus for Person-to-Person.
To buy tickets or for more info: opus4p2p.org/brg
