Press Releases
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CIF’s Crash Hunger Program Partners with Feeding America During Hunger Action Month
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Crash Hunger Program Raises Record Funds and Awareness at Collision Industry Conference
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FinishMaster Supports Collision Industry Foundation in a Big Way
Press Release
CIF’s Crash Hunger Program Partners with Feeding America During Hunger Action Month
September 10, 2012 – Richmond, Virginia –
The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) “Crash
Hunger” program was highlighted during the most
recent Collision Industry Conference meeting in
San Antonio in July, but the hottest activity
lately was the donation of $5,000.00 to Feeding
America. When you combine this most recent
donation with that of 2011, CIF has now provided
over $10,000 in financial support to America’s
fight against hunger. This latest donation comes
at a wonderful time. September marks the kickoff
of Hunger Action Month.
The CIF is supporting the Hunger Action Month (September) by asking the
collision industry to volunteer during the month, as well as getting
involved with your local food bank. You can find out more about Feeding
America® (Website or
Facebook) or go to
the links below to find out about Hunger Action Month and your local
food bank information.
CIF is now recognized as one on Feeding America’s Corporate Partners.
According to Feeding America’s 2011 annual report, “These organizations
have made contributions of $5,000-$99,000, which has help to feed more
than 37 million Americans in need last year.”
“Hunger
is very real in these difficult times with children comprising the
largest number of food recipients,” commented Bill Shaw. “The folks at
Feeding America® told us that families that never needed help are
showing up at food pantries. These are our neighbors, these are
Americans. We felt inspired
and ready to work with Feeding America as a true partner to work toward
ending hunger in America. We know that food pantries are in many cities
in the United States, and provide the greatest opportunity for members
of our industry to work together as volunteers and contributors of food
or donations. September is going to be a great month for us all to come
together and help in our own communities with food collections,
donations and volunteering at a local food pantry.”
“The
support of the Collision Industry Foundation will provide the equivalent
of 40,000 meals to Americans who are fighting food insecurity,” states
Leah Rah, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Feeding America.
“Feeding America is grateful to partners like the CIF, whose commitment
to hunger relief impacts thousands of lives.”
Donation pads are available for Crash Hunger through CIF at any time.
Each pad is $50 for 50 sheets at $1 donation per sheet.
All businesses are encouraged to have a donation pad at each
location. They are asked to display each “bought” donation sheet on
their wall, thus encouraging greater participation by their customers.
They may also display the employees’ names as the donors if they so
desire. Each pad is $50 with no limit on the number of pads that may be
purchased. Credit cards,
checks and money orders accepted. To order pads or for more information
about the Crash Hunger program or Hunger Action Month, please contact
the CIF office at (804) 427-6982 or go to:
www.collisionindustryfoundation.org
|
|
|
Present for the donation to Feeding America® (left to right)
were Scott Kruger
formerly of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, CIF
President Bill Shaw of PPG Industries, Immediate Past President
Jeanne Silver of CARSTAR Mundelein, and far right is CIF
Treasurer Jim Muse of FinishMaster. Receiving the donation on
behalf of Feeding America® were Nancy Curby, Managing Director,
Corporate Partnerships and Kelli Walker, Manager, Corporate
Partnerships. |
Quick Links:
·
Hunger Action Month website:
http://bit.ly/LRR0au
·
Hunger Action Month Facebook application:
http://on.fb.me/THJq3R
·
GO
ORANGE Twibbon: http://twb.ly/N34yCF
·
Hunger Action Month YouTube Playlist:
http://bit.ly/NppX4t
Some (fun) extra videos to watch:
Feeding America video (about 3 minutes)—focuses on need and our clients:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l-ojOoFSCo
Matt Damon PSA (30 seconds)—sweet, humorous—Matt Damon “plays the role”
of one our real clients:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3w3RxvhJYQ&feature=relmfu
Crash Hunger Program Raises Record Funds and Awareness at Collision Industry Conference
July 26, 2011
– Richmond, Virginia – The Collision Industry
Foundation (CIF) “Crash Hunger” program was a
kick-off highlight at the recent Collision
Industry Conference (CIC) meeting in Salt Lake
City, Utah.
Ginette Bott, Chief Marketing
Officer of the Utah Food Bank, gave an insightful presentation about
hunger needs and how the industry can give “time, food, or money” to
help bridge the gap in any market.
The CIC reception hosted the
Crash Hunger program and raised in excess of $3,650, which will be split
between the national initiatives, such as Feeding America and the Utah
Food Bank, as part of the continuing “Leave Something Behind” program.
Leave Something Behind has been an initiative between CIC and CIF to
leave behind a charitable contribution in several visited cities. This
is the largest sum of funds ever raised at a CIC meeting for charitable
causes.
“The outpouring of support was
awe-inspiring,” commented CIF Chair Bill Shaw of PPG Industries, “I am
overwhelmed at how much this program has hit home with so many in our
industry. Additionally, we are extremely proud of our donation pad
campaign. It is an excellent way for shops to engage their customers
through a charitable means. They can make a $1 donation with every car
they fix and raise awareness of their personal efforts in the fight
against hunger in America.”
Donation pads are available for
Crash Hunger through CIF at any time. Each pad is $50
for 50 sheets at $1 donation per sheet. All
businesses are encouraged to have a donation pad at each location. They
are asked to display each “bought” donation sheet on their wall, thus
encouraging greater participation by their customers. They may also
display the employees’ names as the donors if they so desire.
To order pads or for more
information about this program, please contact the CIF office at (804)
427-6982. Each pad is $50 with no limit on the number
of pads that may be purchased. Credit cards, checks
and money orders accepted.
About CIC: The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) is a forum where collision industry stakeholders come together to discuss issues, build broad understanding, find common ground and communicate to the industry at-large, findings and possible solutions. Meeting information is available at: http://www.ciclink.com
Press Release
Crash Hunger Donates Big to Feeding America®
July 11, 2011
– Richmond, Virginia – The Collision Industry
Foundation (CIF) is proud to announce that it
has provided $5,000 in donations to Feeding
America® through the “Crash Hunger” program.
CIF board members Jeanne Silver, Tracy
Tramm and Paul Jones presented Sharon Hurwitz of Feeding America ® with
a check from CIF for $5,000 on March 14, 2011. Sharon
advised that, “No gift is too small. A dollar can provide a meal for
many families. The Feeding America® website
www.feedingamerica.org has a
database of food banks across the country.”
Shops, vendors and anyone willing to
participate can get their customers to help support this campaign for
just one dollar at a time through preprinted donation pads.
"Feeding America ® is a vital
connection between the collision repair industry and Food Banks all over
the country,” commented Jeanne Silver, CARSTAR Mundelein. “Industry
members can volunteer at their local food banks or organize a fund
raising initiative through the CIF Crash Hunger dollar donation pad
sales. No one should be hungry in
Donation pads are available for Crash
Hunger through CIF. Each pad is $50 for 50 sheets at
$1 donation per sheet. Businesses are
encouraged to have a donation pad at each location. They are asked to
display each “bought” donation sheet on their wall, thus encouraging
greater participation by their customers. They may also display the
employees’ names as the donors if they so desire.
Press Release
CIF Announces Donation to Japan Tsunami Relief
May 17, 2011 - Richmond, Virginia - The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is proud to announce its donation of $1,650 to the American Red Cross to benefit the victims of the Japan tsunami from the donations made through the Collision Industry Conference (CIC).
The donations were collected at the CIC meeting held at the Meadowlands Expo Center in New Jersey this past March after industry member Toby Chess suggested a collection for those in need.
"It's always heartwarming to see people, even in these hard times, reach out to help others who have lost so much" said Bill Shaw, President of the CIF Board of Trustees.
Relief and clean-up efforts are ongoing in Japan due to the catastrophic levels of devastation that resulted from the earthquake and subsequent tsunami back on March 11, 2011.
Press Release
CIF Reflects on 2010 Successes
January 6, 2011 –
The first annual Gala Fundraiser was held this
past October in
As a reminder, the CIF campaign is ongoing to
combat hunger across our country with “Shops Against Hunger”. Donation
pads are available through CIF. Each pad is $50 for 50 sheets at
$1 donation per sheet. Shops are encouraged to have a
donation pad at each location.
Press Release
CIF Recognizes Need for Hunger Initiatives
December 8, 2010 –
Monies raised are used to help feed the needy in
our country. Because of the economy, there is a higher demand than
ever from food banks, as noted by Gerry Brisson, Vice President of
Gleaners Community Food Bank in
Gleaners is so grateful to the Collision
Industry Foundation for their support at this time of great need in our
community. In November this year we distributed 4.2 million pounds
of food – up 1,000,000 pounds over last November. There are still
thousands of people looking for emergency food for the first time who
never imagined they would be unable to find a job for more than two
years. Yet, with the economic recovery still moving slowly, these
families have nowhere to turn except for their church, a local food
pantry, or another provider of assistance. The Collision Industry
Foundation and their supporters gave enough last year to provide more
than 15,000 meals.
Donation pads are available through CIF.
Each pad is $50 for 50 sheets at $1 donation per sheet.
Shops are encouraged to have a donation pad at each location.
Press Release
CIF Announces “Shops Against Hunger” Campaign
November 21, 2010 –
Donation pads are available through CIF. Each
pad is $50 for 50 sheets at $1 donation per sheet. Shops are
encouraged to have a donation pad at each location. Shops are asked to
display each “bought” donation sheet on their wall, thus encouraging
greater participation by their customers.
Bill Shaw, President of the CIF Board of
Trustees commented about the need for support saying, “I am asking for
your support with this campaign by purchasing a pad for each of your
shops. Your support will go a long way in fighting hunger as $1 provides
3 meals to a family in need. “
Press Release
CIF Announces New 2011 Board of Directors
The Board of Trustees welcomes trustees William Shaw as Chair, John Bosin as Vice Chair, Jim Muse as Treasurer, and new board trustee Rod Enlow as Secretary. Remaining in their positions as trustees are George Avery, O. Guy Bargnes, Jody DeVere, Harry Hall, Chuck Mayne, Brian Newberry, Russell Thrall III, Marcy Tieger, Tracy Tramm and Doug Webb. CIF also welcomes new board trustee Stacy Bartnik in addition to immediate past chair Jeanne Silver who will continue to serve as a trustee.
William Shaw stated “As the incoming CIF Chair, I am both honored and proud to be involved in such a worthy foundation and the industry it represents. The Collision Industry Foundation will celebrate its tenth year anniversary next April, and I hope I can carry on the legacy of so many past Chairs, most recently Jeanne Silver and Doug Webb. The current officers and trustees of the CIF are committed to carry on the foundation’s mission of raising funds and volunteering, supporting charitable needs of the industry and communities in which we serve.
From immediate past chair Jeanne Silver, “I was among the founding members in 2004 and have been involved as a trustee since we officially formed a Board of Trustees. During my term as chair for the past two years, we worked on the Clean Downtown Detroit Project and Gleaner's Food Bank. Out of this we took the effort further this year to develop the Shops Against Hunger program. Gerry Brisson of Gleaners helped us realize that hunger in America has touched families it never has before and the need for food, money and volunteers is tremendous. CIF fully supports a continued effort to help food banks across the country, and there is not a community in the country where a shop or other industry related organization cannot get involved somehow.
Silver added, “We are also funding title fees for Recycled Rides™ this year. Our recent fundraiser held at NACE was a huge success and we hope to repeat this event next year. I want to commend the board of trustees for their work and commitment to the Foundation and I will always be involved somehow with this wonderful organization.”
Press Release
FinishMaster Supports Collision Industry Foundation in a Big Way
April 29, 2010 – Richmond,
Virginia – The Collision Industry Foundation
(CIF) is proud to welcome FinishMaster as a
partner in its Shops Against Hunger initiative.
During the months of May and June, FinishMaster
is asking its customers to join the fight
against hunger in America by providing a section
on their monthly statements which enables
customers to make a $1.00 donation to the
Collision Industry Foundation’s 2010 Shops
Against Hunger effort.
“We are pleased that FinishMaster recognizes the good
works of the Shops Against Hunger program within CIF,” said Jeanne
Silver, CIF Chair. “They have stepped up in a big way, and created a
vehicle by which each of their repair facility customers can give a
little and make a huge difference. We hope that other companies will
consider similar campaigns.“
Jim Muse, Vice President of Business Development for
FinishMaster, Inc. and CIF Board of Trustees member added, “according to
the USDA, 49.1 million people live in food-insecure households, 16.1 of
those are children. These are staggering numbers. By sharing this
information with our customers, and offering a seamless way for them to
make a $1.00 donation, we believe we are sending an important message at
a time when many people have had to cut back on their charitable
giving-- that no contribution is too small.”
About FinishMaster: FinishMaster is the largest national independent distributor of automotive paints, coatings, and related accessories to the automotive collision repair industry. The Company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and operates three major distribution centers and 163 branches in 39 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the country. For more information on FinishMaster via the Internet, visit FinishMaster’s website at http://www.finishmaster.com/
Press Release
At the recent Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting held in Washington, D.C., word circulated that long-time industry personality Glen Funk had passed away, with his family by his side.
For two years Glen had battled a disease that remains unknown to this day, a battle that ended on the afternoon of July 29, 2009. He had been to specialists at the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic and the University of California at San Francisco. Medical professionals could not determine what caused his continued nerve deterioration, or how it should be treated.
Glen was an employee of Motor Information Systems for over 20 years, and a long time participant in Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and the National Auto Body Council (NABC). Yet he was much more than the sum of his experience.
“He was an extraordinary human being,” comments NABC Executive Director Chuck Sulkala. “Glen had a fun-loving nature and a great sense of humor that he combined with a compassion for those less fortunate and an unyielding sense of purpose to help.”
Glen’s spirit of giving was never more evident than in his relationship with Camp Mak-A-Dream, a recreational camp for children undergoing active cancer treatment. “It moved him like no other place moved him,” continues Sulkala, “going back to the first time he performed volunteer work there with his grandson. It wasn’t unusual for tears to well up in his eyes as he recalled a profound experience he had witnessed at the camp. Those tears very often proved contagious.”
Based upon his strong attachment to Camp Mak-A-Dream, Glen became an active advocate on its behalf. When the camp was in dire need of a new, reliable bus to transport campers, Glen’s passionate appeals to the NABC board and his refusal to accept the status quo helped ensure a new bus would be bought.
The continued success of the camp has resulted in the need for a second bus, and Glen—or more precisely, Glen’s legacy—will once again help drive the purchase. After discussions among his son-in-law, Kerry Hughes, Chairman of the Collision Industry Foundation Jeanne Silver, Sulkala, and Camp Make-A-Dream leadership, it was decided to secure another bus in Glen’s name, through the Collision Industry Foundation (CIF). Those wishing to help with the purchase of the second bus may also do so in the memory of someone special in their own lives.
“Glen lived completely and he loved completely, too," states Sulkala. “His giving spirit will live on not only in his contributions to Camp Mak-A-Dream, but in the memories and good will cherished by those who knew him.”
The family requests that all donations for the vehicle be sent to:
Collision Industry Foundation
P.O. Box 3007
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Donations can also be made online at www.collisionindustryfoundation.org. Those wishing to leave a personal message to the family can do so at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Camp Mak-A-Dream's core belief is that “one week can change a lifetime.” Their mission, in pursuit of that conviction, is “to provide a medically supervised, cost-free Montana experience, in an intimate community setting, for children, young adults and families affected by cancer.” To learn more about the camp, please visit www.campdream.org.
Press Release
COLLISION INDUSTRY FOUNDATION RAISES $12,000 FOR DETROIT CHARITIES THROUGH E-BAY AUCTION
Mechanicsville, VA, August 28, 2009—The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) E-Bay auction, developed as part of the Blanket the City campaign to help distressed communities and specific charities, raised $12,000. The Foundation selected Detroit, one of the hardest hit of all automotive communities, with proceeds going to the area's Gleaners Food Bank and Downtown Detroit Partnership. “We are proud of the outpouring of the collision industry through their donations which enabled us to conduct this successful auction, and we look forward to delivering funds to these two worthy charities,” said Jeanne Silver, chair of the Collision Industry Foundation board of trustees.
The Foundation will continue to promote and market the auction within the industry as well as to consumers outside the industry, as part of its commitment to Gleaners Food Bank and Downtown Detroit Partnership. The Foundation is seeking sizable donations of equipment, software, services and novelty items from industry members, whether specific to the collision industry or not. Any and all desirable items are welcome. If you'd like to donate to the auction, please contact the CIF office at (804)427-6982 or email collisioninudstryfoundation@gmail.com.
The Collision Industry Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation dedicated to raising, managing and donating funds while fulfilling the philanthropic goals and needs of the collision industry and the communities they serve. The foundation was established in 2001 to allow for tax-deductible contributions for the National Auto Body Council ("NABC") sponsored Camp Mak-A-Dream Children's Hospital project and has been instrumental in several other collision industry charitable projects.
Press Release
COLLISION INDUSTRY FOUNDATION SEEKS
SUPPORT FOR DETROIT CHARITIES
DETROIT, MI --- Date --- The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is asking for donations to help support its ongoing project, “Blanket the City” Detroit. Motor City has been hard hit by economic changes in the auto industry. Announced in August, the foundation is seeking to raise $200,000 nationally and encourage 3,000 volunteer hours in service by December 31, 2009 to support charities serving the Detroit area.
As evidence of the pressure charitable organizations in the Detroit area are experiencing given the current economic conditions, one of the charities CIF originally chose to support has already succumbed to the declining economy. After 172 years in operation, the Children’s Home of Detroit closed its doors at the end of November. Several factors contributed to the closing of the organization, among them a decline in donations.
However, two very worthy charities are still being helped by donations from the collision repair industry, Gleaner’s Food Bank and the Downtown Detroit Project.
“Gleaner’s Food Bank is busier than ever,” states Gerald Brisson, executive director of Gleaner’s. “Our food distribution is up 22 percent over last year – and last year was a record. We distributed 2.8 million pounds of food in November and will likely top 3 million pounds of food in December.” More than ever contributions are needed and there are many volunteer opportunities with the food bank. Gleaner’s Food Bank has just kicked off “Hunger Heroes”, a holiday project committed to distributing nine million pounds of food to its partner soup kitchens, food pantries and other agencies that provide emergency food assistance between October and December 2008.
The Downtown Detroit Project is Clean Downtown, which was founded by Roger Penske, Chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. The program is staffed by workers from Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. It is transforming the appearance of downtown and the lives of disadvantaged individuals. The project puts uniformed cleanup crews on downtown streets seven days a week to sweep and power-wash sidewalks, clear trash and remove graffiti, and keep public spaces looking their best. In tandem with this, an innovative homeless outreach program is providing shelter, workforce training and jobs for the less fortunate.
How can the collision repair industry help? “If every shop in our industry pledged $5.00, the entire $200,000 goal could be met in one day. If that effort is duplicated by individuals, suppliers and insurers, the results are limitless,” states Jeanne Silver, Gleaner’s Food Bank project chair. “Hunger in America is unthinkable.”
“The Downtown Detroit Project targets disadvantaged individuals who want to become self-sustaining if given the chance,” says Downtown Detroit Partnership President Ann Lang . “The support of CIF will help them begin this journey. Past participants have reunited with families, remained crime free and drug free, pursued education and moved on to permanent employment.”
To make a tax deductible donation to the Collision Industry Foundation's Blanket the City: Detroit Campaign, go to www.collisionindustryfoundation.org and click on "Donations" or mail your donation marked "Blanket the City" to CIF, P.O. Box 3007 Mechanicsville, VA 23116, or call (804)368-0242. For more information on Gleaners Food Bank and Clean Downtown go to:
www.gcfb.org and
http://www.downtowndetroit.org/ddp/clean.htm
Press Release
Collision Industry Foundation Seeks to Blanket
the City of
RICHMOND, VA- August 6,
2008-The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) has
announced the launch of its “Blanket the City:
Detroit” campaign, a broad-based fundraising
effort to support the Motor City that has been
especially hard hit by economic changes in the
automotive industry. Announced at last week’s
Collision Industry Conference in
“The Blanket the City”
campaign for
Funds raised by the CIF for
the campaign will be used to blanket the city by
providing assistance to the following worthy
organizations that serve
• Children’s Home of Detroit
(www.childrenshomeofdetroit.org)
• Downtown Detroit Partnership
(www.dowtowndetroit.org)
• GLEANERS Foodbank (www.gcfb.org)
All funds collected will be distributed equally amongst the three charities.
A formal kick off of the project will be held on August 29, 2008 at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. Members of the three charitable organizations and recipients of their services, as well as local business members and trustees of the Collision Industry Foundation will share in the festivities.
Donors to the “Blanket the
City:
To make a tax deductible donation to the Collision Industry Foundation’s Blanket the City: Detroit Campaign, go to www.collisionindustryfoundation.org and click on “Donations” or mail your donation marked “Blanket the City” to CIF, P.O. Box 3007 Mechanicsville, VA 23116, or call (804) 427-6982.
Press Release
NABC and Collision Industry Relief are Ready for Rita
(Richmond, VA)
Just as the collision industry is working to aid
families displaced by hurricane Katrina, it is
also gearing up to assist any families from this
industry who might be affected by hurricane
Rita.
“We now have the infrastructure in place to
provide assistance as soon as we hear from those
in need,” said Chuck Sulkala, Executive Director
of the National Auto Body Council (NABC). “I am
urging all associations, paint manufacturers and
vendors who have daily contact with people in
the affected areas to please get the information
out that we are here and ready to help.
“One thing that Katrina brought front and center
was the fact that there was no industry-wide
disaster response system in place,” Sulkala
continued. “Those days are history. We are now
prepared to deliver immediate help when
disasters such as Katrina occur.
“The key to the long-term success of the relief
program will be informing people who and where
to call for help should a major disaster strike
them. Because the system was set up after
Katrina, the lack of information is occasionally
delaying our ability to provide relief to those
in the Gulf Coast area affected by Katrina.
“It is important,” Sulkala added, “that anyone
in this industry in need of help knows that
www.collisionindustryrelief.org is there. For
those who are unable to get online, they should
can call 888-66-PRIDE (888-667-7433) W will take
the information and forward it to a relocation
Specialist.
“We have a large number of people willing to
help those in need,” Sulkala concluded. “Funds
are coming in to the Collision Industry
Foundation (CIF). Anybody wishing to make a tax
deductible contribution to the relief effort can
do so at the foundation website
www.collisionindustryfoundation.org .
For more information on this press release, or
other topics, please contact our office
toll-free at 888-66-PRIDE or email to
info@autobodycouncil.org. Our website address
is: http://www.autobodycouncil.org .
Press Release
KATRINA RELOCATION EFFORT BEGINS
(Richmond, VA) On Friday,
September 2nd, a conference call was set up to discuss the
assistance options for those ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. “Over
a hundred people from all facets of the industry were on or
tried to get on the call,” stated Chuck Sulkala, Executive
Director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC). “The result
of the call is that NABC will spearhead an effort to relocate
ANYONE in the collision industry who has either been displaced
or who now finds that he or she doesn’t have a job.
“It’s important to note that the objective is not simply moving
people from one location to another. The goal is to help our
people with no home or job to start rebuilding their lives, to
get back to functioning as families, with a job, basic work
tools, housing, transportation and kids back in school.
The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) has set up a special
account for relief aid contributions. The Automotive Service
Association has a blog web site at www.asashop.org that will be
used for general information, discussion and comments. They,
along with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and the
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers are asking their state
and local affiliate associations for help finding a home and a
job for industry members in need. We are in the process of
setting up a specific website to record and enter all the
information from those who can hire a displaced family. “This is
not just a person we are hiring, it is a family we are taking in
and helping to get back on their feet,” stressed Sulkala.
We are asking prospective employers to assist or work on local
donations to help with, housing, transportation, clothing,
furniture, relocation costs etc, etc. However, this should not
stop someone from helping especially IF THEY HAVE A JOB OPENING.
If need be, the Collision Industry Foundation will step in to
provide additional assistance, but the less they need to spend
on one family, the more they will have left that can be spent on
other families in need.
We have committees in place to focus on relocation to new areas,
tool replacement, fundraising and communication. Additionally,
insurers and their CAT teams are being asked to pass the word in
those effected areas. The Salvation Army and Red Cross are being
advised as well. “By helping our own,” Sulkala said, “we can
free up their resources so they can help others.”
Tuesday September 6, 2005 we will again have a National
Conference Call just as we did last Friday, September 1st. This
call will let everyone know what has been decided to-date as
well as to answer any questions. In addition, that afternoon the
committees will also have calls. If you are just interested in
knowing what is going on, we will report that information to the
industry,. We would ask that you please leave the call free for
those actively working in a committee. They have work to do, and
limited time to do it. The Fundraising Committee, headed by Doug
Webb, will meet at 1 pm Eastern time. The Relocation Committee,
headed by Michael Quinn, focusing on jobs, housing,
transportation, etc., will meet at 2 pm Eastern time. The
Committee to find and locate those in need will meet at 3:00PM.
All calls will take place on 641-985-8000, passcode 846433. If
you intend to be on the call, please be on time.
The Collision Industry Foundation, an IRS approved Charitable
Foundation is charged with collecting and distributing these
funds. All funds earmarked for Katrina Relief will be used only
for that purpose. In addition, Doug Webb, Chairman of the
Collision Industry Foundation has announced that the ‘Hop on the
Bus’ raffle, being conducted by NABC and chaired by Karen Fierst,
will be increasing the number of tickets sold in order to
provide additional revenue for assistance.
Tax deductible contributions can be sent to: Collision Industry
Foundation – Katrina Fund, Collision Industry Foundation, PO BOX
3007, Mechanicsville VA 23116. In addition, the Foundation will
also be able to take credit card donations online within the
week at the Foundation website
www.collisionindustryfoundation.org
“As you can see, things are happening. Perhaps not as fast as we
might like, but an event of this magnitude has never occurred
before. One thing is for sure, we will NEVER allow our industry
to be unprepared to take care of our own again.
“This industry-wide effort once again demonstrates our
industry’s generosity,” concluded Sulkala. “We are doing more
than providing money. We are providing a future. As I said in
another message, people in our industry have lost their homes;
many have lost their jobs; perhaps a few have even lost their
lives. We cannot let those who remain lose hope.”
For more information on this press release, or other topics,
please contact our office toll-free at 888-66-PRIDE or email to
info@autobodycouncil.org. Our website address is:
http://www.autobodycouncil.org.
Press Release
Corporate Sponsors Ignite Industry
Raffle for Camp Bus; Daytona 500 Package Up for Grabs
Camp Mak-A-Dream needs a bus, and two lucky raffle ticket
winners will get to see some very fast cars, as the collision
industry once again steps on the gas to serve those in need.
The new bus is for the children and young adults with active
cancer attending Camp Mak-A-Dream, a long-standing beneficiary
of the generosity of the collision industry. The bus will need
to be specially equipped and cost into the six-figure range.
Corporate sponsors have jump-started the effort, which
officially began July 1, 2005. Organizers hope the effort
continues to pick up speed at the upcoming CIC and I-CAR
meetings in Scottsdale, AZ next week.
“I want to thank our corporate sponsors who have shown their
commitment to this project. These leaders realize projects such
as this enable us to work together to feel good about who we
are, what we do, and give back to the community at large,” said
Karen Fierst, Project Chairman.
The effort is endorsed by the National Auto Body Council (NABC)
and is one of various fundraisers administered by the Collision
Industry Foundation (CIF).
“This industry has always come up big,” said Chuck Sulkala,
Executive Director of the NABC. “This time, however, we are
going to reward some winners with some really nice prizes.
Besides the NASCAR event, we have six runner-up prizes worth
$2000 each, and prizes for the sellers of winning tickets,” he
said.
Tickets for the Hop on the Bus Campaign are $10.00 each and can
be purchased in Scottsdale next week or by calling the CIF
office at 888-66-PRIDE. Books of tickets are also available. The
drawing will be held in Las Vegas at NACE, where the bus will be
on display. The deadline is October 15. Official rules can be
viewed online at www.collisionindustryfoundation.org
“Our goal is to raise at least $250,000,” said Doug Webb,
President of CIF. “That way, we cover our prize costs, the costs
of the bus and have some left over for other CIF projects that
are coming up,” he said.
Corporate sponsors as of July 20 include 3M, BASF, DuPont,
Pacific Auto Company, Keystone, CSi Complete, Motor Information
Systems, Universal Underwriters and Veng USA. Additionally,
CARSTAR, Florida Automotive Industry Association (FAIA) and
Sports and Imports have bought multiple books of tickets.
Keystone has adopted this as a major project and will be selling
tickets to their work force and customers.
Press Releases
COLLISION
INDUSTRY FOUNDATION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR
CAMP MAK-A-DREAM BUS
(Richmond, VA) The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is
committed to purchasing a new bus for Camp Mak-A-Dream. The
action was approved during the Foundation’s Board meeting in
Charlotte, NC.
“Two years ago NABC, through the Collision Industry Foundation,
raised $500,000 to help fund a health center at the Camp,” said
Chuck Sulkala, Executive Director of the National Auto Body
Council (NABC). “Since then, we’ve kept an eye on the Camp’s
‘Wish List’. Acquiring a new bus to transport the children was
one of the highest priorities.
“Children attending the camp are undergoing active cancer
treatment,” Sulkala continued. “So the bus must undergo some
modifications. Making it wheelchair accessible is one example.
We estimate the total cost of the bus will in the $100,000
neighborhood. NABC most certainly supports the Foundation’s goal
because it supports the NABC mission of improving the Industry’s
image.”
To raise the money, CIF, with the support of NABC will be
conducting a drawing. Drawing tickets will cost $10 each.
Winning tickets will be announced at NACE. The Grand Prize is a
trip for two to the 2006 NASCAR Daytona 500 including race
tickets, hospitality tent tickets, airfare and lodging.
There will be six runner-up prizes of $2000 gift certificates to
stores such as Circuit City and Best Buy, as well as
certificates that can be used for air travel on American, United
and Delta airlines. Additionally, the individuals selling the
winning tickets are eligible for $1000 gift certificates.
“I need to offer special thanks to two people,” stated Sulkala.
“In order to get this project underway, we needed to make a
good-faith down payment on the bus. Marco Grossi of Collision
Craftsmen in Detroit has regularly held a dinner dance to raise
money for the Camp. This year he donated 100% of the proceeds
for this effort.
“Toby Chess from California conducted an educational seminar
with ICAR and BMW. And he turned it into a fundraising activity
which resulted in his, as well as Marco’s activity being able to
make that down payment. Because of the good work of those two
individuals, all systems are go.”
“The bus will be on display at NACE,” said Doug
Webb, CIF Chairman. “That way, people who
contributed to the cause will get to see the
results of those contributions. At the end of
NACE, the bus will be delivered to the Camp in
Montana.”
For more information on this effort, or other
information about the Collision Industry
Foundation, please contact the NABC office at
888-66-PRIDE or visit the Foundation website for
more details at:
http://www.collisionindustryfoundation.org.