Press Releases

 


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 Detroit

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 Scottsdale, AZ, the campaign seeks to raise $200,000 and encourage 3000 volunteer hours in service by December 31, 2009.

“The Blanket the City” campaign for Detroit supports the Collision Industry Foundation’s vision to support and help direct charitable programs and activities of interest to the Collision Repair Industry,” said Doug Webb, chairman of the Foundation. “Given the challenging economic times faced by citizens of Detroit, this effort will provide much needed resources to the charities that are participating in the program.”

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 Detroit:

• 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: Detroit” project will be recognized on the Collision Industry Foundation Web site and in communications to the industry on this effort.

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.