Drivers of hundreds of big rigs, pickups and motorcycles took part in a fundraising convoy Sunday for the family of Jeffrey Bourgeois, the 6-year-old Salem boy who died in a wood chipper accident earlier this month.
The benefit, organized by Truck Toyz, of Colchester, attracted participants from across the state and Rhode Island.
For $30, any vehicle could take part in the ride, which left from Lebanon Avenue in Colchester and traveled to Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford.
North Stonington resident David Forbes and his daughter, Mykenzie, arrived at the convoy staging area at about 10 a.m. Forbes works for DW Transport, of Franklin, and he heard about the convoy from co-workers.
Mykenzie said she wanted to help a family that needs support. Sunday was Mykenzie’s first truck convoy.
“Plus, she gets to spend the day with her dad,” Forbes said.
Organizers exceeded their goal of 150 participants, although they were not sure Sunday morning exactly how many trucks, cars and motorcycles participated. Vehicles filled the lot at Truck Toyz and stretched at least a mile down the road.
Jeffrey Bourgeois died April 10 after being pulled into a wood chipper while at a job site with his father during school vacation.