Every year, the International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) organizes an annual service project aimed at giving back to the communities that host their events. This year, in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, IBTTA members came together to support the Nashville Food Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing meals to underserved communities and addressing issues of poverty. Among the IBTTA members, IntelliRoad’s Vice President and National Tolling Practice Leader, Rafael Hernandez, a veteran of this service project, joined the team again to make an impact. This annual event, which began in 2008, has become a cherished tradition for IBTTA members, fostering a sense of community and making a positive impact on the host city. In 2023, over 70 IBTTA members including toll operators, Department of Transportation (DOT) representatives, and industry professionals, lent their hands to help pack meals for families in need, further exemplifying the association’s commitment to bridge the gap in service to the community.
“Year after year, I am deeply moved by the commitment IBTTA makes to serve local communities during their events. It was incredible to witness our industry coming together to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most,” Rafael said when reflecting on this year’s gathering in Nashville.
The Nashville Food Project is a remarkable non-profit organization that has been serving the Nashville community since its inception. Their mission revolves around two core principles: cultivating community and alleviating poverty. Through a diverse range of initiatives, the Nashville Food Project strives to foster a sense of belonging while addressing the pressing issue of hunger in the city.
One of the Nashville Food Project’s primary activities involves preparing and delivering nutritious meals to individuals and families living in underserved neighborhoods. Their approach to fighting hunger goes beyond just providing sustenance; it is about creating connections and building relationships within the community. In doing so, the Nashville Food Project aims to empower individuals and families to overcome the challenges of poverty.
IBTTA has demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility by organizing an annual service project during their annual meetings. This tradition has become an integral part of IBTTA’s identity, reflecting their dedication to making a positive impact on the communities they visit.
The task at hand was to pack meals for families in need, a task that required teamwork, coordination, and a commitment to quality. Volunteers assembled meal kits, ensuring that each package contained the essential components of a nutritious meal. From sorting vegetables to sealing packages, IBTTA members worked diligently, knowing that their efforts would directly benefit those facing food insecurity.
Beyond the immediate impact on the Nashville community, the IBTTA Annual Service Project serves as a bridge between the tolling industry and the communities they serve. It showcases the industry’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of giving back and making a positive difference where it matters most.
The IBTTA Annual Service Project in Nashville, supporting the Nashville Food Project, exemplified the power of collaboration, compassion, and community. By joining forces with a local non-profit dedicated to alleviating poverty and fostering connections, IBTTA members made a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. This annual tradition not only demonstrates the tolling industry’s commitment to corporate social responsibility but also strengthens the bonds within the IBTTA community.
As IBTTA continues its mission of “bridging the gap” in service to the community, it serves as an inspiring example of how organizations can make a lasting impact by giving back to the cities that host them. Through their collective efforts, IBTTA members are helping to build a brighter future, one meal at a time.