Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico Receives Record-Breaking Gift from Transportation Partners
Today, Trailer Bridge and ATS International announced their Rally por Puerto Rico Charity Golf Tournament raised a record-breaking $143,500 for Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico. The funds raised support the nonprofit’s mission to create and preserve home ownership opportunities for low-income individuals and families on the island.
At the awards ceremony, Habitat welcomed a family who recently received the keys to their new home to share their story and the positive impact of the funds raised. The purchase of their home was made possible through Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico Homeownership program which is supported by the Rally tournament.
“This tournament was established in 2019 in response to the need for safe housing following the destruction Hurricane Maria caused for families on the island. And today, we were witness to the power of community and its ability to transform the lives of our neighbors,” said Trailer Bridge CEO Mitch Luciano. “Hearing the family’s story is a reminder of how important the work Habitat Puerto Rico is doing and why we rally each year to raise funds to support their mission to serve families on the island.”
Trailer Bridge and ATS cover all expenses related to the Rally por Puerto Rico Charity Golf Tournament allowing 100% of the sponsorship dollars raised to go directly to the nonprofit. This year the tournament hosted a record number of golfers at Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club for the tournament. Since 2019, the event has raised nearly $450,000 for the organization.
“We could not be more excited about our continuing efforts to support the wonderful work of Habitat through our Rally por Puerto Rico event. We are so grateful for the continued and growing support of our sponsors which make this event possible,” stated Jay Thomassen, Vice President – Commercial Services at ATS International. “It was especially heartwarming to have a family with us to share their story of having a new home. This is exactly what this event was envisioned to be when Trailer Bridge and ATS came together to establish the tournament in 2019.”
“Rally por Puerto Rico Golf Tournament has become a very special event for us at Habitat Puerto Rico, last year’s donation helped the organization complete 10 homes within our Homeownership Program and carry out two volunteer activities in the towns of Guayama and Santa Isabel,” said Amanda Silva, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico. “The average house cost in Puerto Rico has risen 9.6% compared to 2022, and today a home costs approximately $12,000 more than last year. This undoubtedly presents a complex landscape for low-to moderate-income individuals interested in owning a home. Through our Affordable Homeownership Program, we can help more people achieve homeownership, making it vital for us to continue our services and programs in Puerto Rico.”
Trailer Bridge and ATS International have been serving Puerto Rico’s supply chain needs for more than 30 years developing long-standing relationships with key transportation and logistics providers on the island. The event is an extension of their commitment to serve the people of Puerto Rico.
Trailer Bridge operates two roll-on, roll-off barges that deliver goods to the island including building materials used to develop homes for local families. The company has been serving the island since 1991 and signed long-term lease agreements with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority and the Jacksonville Port Authority within the past two years anchoring its future commitment to the island for more than 20 years.
About Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico
Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico, is a non-profit organization with a history of 25 years on the island, being the local affiliate of the global entity Habitat for Humanity International, with a presence in the 50 states of the United States and over 70 countries. Founded in Puerto Rico in 1997, the organization works to help families and individuals achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and the opportunity to have a better future through affordable housing and capacity building programs, with the collaboration of donors and volunteers. For more information, visit habitatpr.org.
About ATS International
ATS International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Anderson Trucking Service, Inc. (ATS). Founded in 1955 and headquartered in St. Cloud, MN – ATS is a recognized leader in flatbed, specialized, logistics, van, and international transportation. With offices located throughout the United States, ATS is the largest asset-based truckload carrier in Minnesota, and the 30th largest for-hire carrier in North America, operating more than 2,700 tractors and 8,600 trailers. ATS International extends that service coverage, providing global service through both operated international offices and well-established agent partners. For more information, please visit www.atsinc.com.
