GM FYI Blog

By Jillian Beauman
Guest Blogger

They say all good things must come to an end, but I think most of the members of the Chevy Silverado Drive for Farm Aid were wishing that this particular journey would not be over. Some 2,800 miles later, The Drive, a road trip which inspired new friendships and an interest in quality trucks across the nation, made its way from Pittsburgh to its final destination: the Farm Aid concert in Camden, N.J.

While we were on the road, I sat down with Heritage Tour members Kim Mitchell and her father, Michael Eaton, who traveled in a sparkling white 1950 Chevy 3100. Kim is a fourth-generation member to manage her family business, Eaton Detroit Springs, a Detroit spring manufacturer that has been around since 1937. Kim told me that she had a great time on the road with her father and the other Heritage Tour members.

“We were a bunch of strangers thrown together who all share a love of old trucks, and we instantly became a family, “ said Kim. “To work so closely with the next generation of these trucks and introduce the new Chevy Silverado to the country has been an exceptional experience.”

Later in the day, Heritage Tour members Ted Watson and Bill Studaker of Croswell, Mich., offered me a ride in their 1970 Chevy Pickup on the parade to Farm Aid. Ted and Bill had been friends since grade school, and when Ted’s son Rick was unable to participate in the tour, they jumped at the chance to attend in his place.

“Not only did I have an outstanding time traveling with my buddy Bill, but I really enjoyed spending time with every single person on this tour,” said Ted. “There are three events in my life that I will always remember: getting married, serving time in Korea, and riding the Chevy Silverado Drive for Farm Aid.”

After arriving at the concert venue, the tour members had the opportunity to enjoy the Farm Aid show. The concert, originally co-founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young in 1985, rocked as artists including Dave Matthews, Jerry Lee Lewis, Los Lonely Boys, Gov’t Mule, Steve Earle, Allison Moorer, and Steel Pulse came together for an 11-hour sold-out show at the Tweeter Center. Appearances were also made by Shelby Lynne, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jimmy Stuff & his Orchestra, Pauline Reese, and Danielle Evin.

Halfway through the concert, the Chevy Silverado Drive for Farm Aid presented a check in the amount of $153,178 to Willie Nelson. The donation to aid in the effort to promote food from family farms signaled the conclusion of this incredible trip.

The opportunity to partake in The Drive is one that I will never forget. In addition to seeing the heartland of America for the first time, I met some extraordinary people who all came together to share their love of trucks and music for a great cause. Thanks, Chevy, for having me along for this remarkable journey.

For some final pictures from The Drive, check out our Flickr set.