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Optimus Prime supports Cystic Fibrosis research at local truck show

Oct 02, 2019

When our replica of Optimus Prime enters the show grounds, you can rest assured it is almost always in support of a great cause. And for the second year in a row, that was the case at the Truckers 4 Hope Jamboree in central Pennsylvania. 


Jason Smith, organizer of the truck show, over the road truck driver, and father to a young boy with Cystic Fibrosis first contacted Joe Fiduccia (owner of Optimus Is Here) in early 2018 with an opportunity to help him grow their relatively new show. His goal was to bring something to the event that fans and attendees had never seen before, while also adding value by raising funds that can help find an eventual cure to the disease.


And both of them agreed Optimus Prime was the golden ticket.
"It was an opportunity that had never been offered before in the state of Pennsylvania", says Smith. "Attempting to get one of the screen-used trucks would be way too expensive. Joe's replica is very well done, he is local, and he is willing to offer perks that the screen-used versions can't." 

In 2018, the Truckers 4 Hope Jamboree was hit with inclement weather, severely impacting attendance at the show. But that did not stop fans from gathering for a chance to meet Optimus for the first time. 

Joined by a Bumblebee replica, Fiduccia arrived to the fairgrounds on that rainy Saturday morning, one day after receiving his first Krown treatment. Attendees lined up and waited upwards of 45 minutes for a chance to get their photo with the magnificent truck. They donated between $5 - 10 in exchange for driver seat photos with the vehicles. And by the end of the day, Team Prime was able to raise close to $500.00.

The experience was so popular and gained even more publicity after the show ended, that Smith invited Fiduccia back for a second round in 2019. Fans were once again offered with an option to get photos, some of them driving from more than 3 hours away. But 2019 also brought in a few new perks, including a full size Bumblebee big rig tribute owned by Chris and Faith Olmstead. 

"Next to Optimus, this has to be one of the coolest Transformers-themed tribute trucks I've ever seen", says Fiduccia.

While in town, Joe also planned a stop at the local Elementary school of Smith's son Hayze. One day before the truck show, he brought Optimus to their school and encourage kids to join him in his new mission to end bullying. It was a visit that quickly got the attention of the news and media while simultaneously creating even more buzz for the pending truck show.

"When you work together with a common goal, and when you commit to building an experience that will make everyone walk away happy, you can do some pretty incredible things", says Fiduccia.

We invite you to check out this LIVE VIDEO from Fiduccia captured on the night of the 2019 truck show, when every semi turned on their lights for fans to enjoy. And here are some photos from that experience as well:
While it is unclear if Fiduccia will return to the show with his Optimus replica in 2020, he tells us he is grateful for the experience to help support a local cause and family. 

"That is exactly what Optimus Prime would do if he was real", states Fiduccia. "He would help others in a time of need, while building a better foundation for our children's future."

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