Towing for Autism

By George L. Nitti April is National Autism Awareness Month. One way towers and others in the industry have stepped up to the plate is by towing for this important cause, creating graphics that draw attention and promote the cause to the public at large. Parker Towing & Recovery in Fort Wayne, Ind., recently dedicated their red 2006 International 4300/2014 Century 22' carrier to autism. A percentage of the proceeds goes directly to the Autism Society of Indiana, where they serve as a key sponsor of an annual autism walk held in the month of September. "Owner Dan Parker has an autistic child in his family," said business manager Kathy Franks. "It's a cause that is near and dear to the hearts of our employees. At last year's walk, we revealed our truck." Drawing particular interest are the colorful puzzle pieces. The puzzle piece itself has been a long-standing symbol of this disease. The pieces are arranged carefully in several locations on the unit, representing different sizes and colors. On the truck's front end, the pieces extend along both sides of the under-hood running parallel to the doors, where they shoot up on the cab side. The pieces are also skillfully assembled to form the name of the company on each of the doors and the tool box on the side of the bed, where underneath it states "Towing for a Cause." The puzzle pieces take on a grander scope on the bed's bulkhead as the backdrop for the company name. Finally, on the truck's hood, the largest puzzle piece sticks out. Shaped in the form of Indiana, it ties in to support the Autism Society of Indiana. The wrap was done by Total Performance of Fort Wayne, Franks said. This truck represents the second truck in Parker's large fleet dedicated to an important cause; the other being breast cancer awareness. Franks said, "We keep it local. We are particularly proud of our 'Towing for a Cause' trucks. We hope others will take an interest." Brag @ TIW!Should your truck be featured here? Send a few pics and your contact information to the editor at bdooley@towman.com. You might even be selected to go in print, too, in American Towman magazine!