Touch A Truck Fundraiser Coming Up

Information via Shops at Farmington Valley

CANTON, CT — Horns will honk, lights will flash and tires will rumble at The Shops at Farmington Valley’s second annual Truckyard Touch-a-Truck. The popular family event will be held on Saturday, September 21 from 9:30AM to 1:00PM and will feature an exciting assortment of construction and emergency response vehicles for children to explore. Truckyard Touch-a-Truck is held in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and will benefit Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The event will be paired with The Shops “You CAN Sit With Us” initiative, a property-wide effort designed to spread a message of kindness and inclusivity.

Truckyard Touch-a-Truck encourages children to climb aboard and explore each of the vehicles on property, including emergency response vehicles from the Town of Canton, construction vehicles, police cars and garbage trucks. Families will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with the personalities behind these vehicles, including first responders, police officers and construction workers.

Truckyard Touch-a-Truck is inspired in part by Morgan Platt, resident of Avon, CT and childhood cancer survivor. Morgan is an Avon High School student and tireless advocate for raising awareness for the importance of funding pediatric cancer research. Morgan was diagnosed in 2011 with Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer. To date, she has raised over $25,000 to help fight childhood cancer.

The event is free and open to the public with a suggested $2 donation to benefit Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Connecticut Children’s Medical Center is the only hospital in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the care of children. Connecticut Children's Medical Center provides comprehensive, world-class health care in more than 30 pediatric specialties and subspecialties.

Courtesy of The Shops at Farmington Valley
Furthering this feel good day, The Shops’ “You CAN Sit With Us” activation will plant special pins, stickers and seating around property that underline a message of inclusivity and encourage children to make new friends, share with old friends and appreciate community togetherness.

Adding to the fun, Truckyard Touch-a-Truck will offer pumpkin painting, courtesy of Winterberry Landscaping of Southington, Connecticut, while the Truffles of Farmington food truck will offer a selection of lunch and snack items for purchase. Ben and Jerry’s, a longtime tenant of The Shops, will also donate a portion of proceeds from its ice cream tent sales to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

“Of all the many family friendly events we host at The Shops at Farmington Valley, Truckyard Touch-A-Truck is definitely one of our most special experiences. We love seeing The Shops transformed by so many exciting vehicles and the day is made even more special by supporting such an important cause. Hosting this event in support of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Morgan Platt, a brave member of our community, is an honor,” says Elizabeth Ackerman, General Manager of The Shops at Farmington Valley.

Attendees are encouraged to register at Truckyard Touch-a-Truck’s eventbrite page. The event will be located in the parking lot behind Barnes and Noble.