About Our Program

Prairie is a proud participant in the fight against Breast Cancer. We are committed to supporting the Breast Cancer Awareness effort. Our Pink Trucks signify our respect and admiration for those who are currently battling this illness and those who have survived this affliction. Our hearts go out to those who donate their time to organize, walk, run and contribute to the drive for a cure.

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Our project started from a simple breakfast with my brother. We were meeting over Christmas break in December 2005 and while talking about a variety of different things, John, who was 13 years old at the time, said, “We should paint a truck pink”, I took in the comment, along with all the other things we discussed.

On my ride back into the office, I thought about his comment more and more. I knew where John was coming from, several close friends and family members have breast cancer or were grateful to survive it. His concern made me think more about the problem than I had before.

I thought that painting a concrete truck pink could really be something that was bizarre enough to make people stop, look and talk more about breast cancer awareness.

The first thing I did was find the right drivers. This was, after all, going to be a pink truck.

This task was much easier than I imagined. The first person we asked was Rob Marcowka, he agreed immediately. Rob’s mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor, he said he would be proud to drive the truck. The second truck was even easier, we asked Gail Pashup, a female driver from one of our Chicago yards, she, too, was happy to participate.

Our truck builders Mack Truck and MTM Manufacturing were befuddled in the beginning, pink is not a stock color, but they were eventually persuaded. There were probably fifty more problems that came along the way but those problems are insignificant now, as the truck speaks for itself, as does the overwhelming response it receives from everyone who sees it.

Along with countless benefits, Prairie is donating 25 percent of the profits for each yard of concrete the two pink mixers deliver. All profits from our pink toy trucks will be donated as well.
 
In short, I would like to dedicate this truck to every person who has had to fight breast cancer, your spirit is an inspiration to all.

Credit for the idea goes to my brother John and ultimately to our father whose legacy of helping others is evident today through his children.

Michael Oremus