​September 9, 2013 – Richmond, Virginia – The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) recently donated $4,000 from the Disaster Relief Fund between two collision repair shops affected by Hurricane Sandy earlier in 2013. The two shops, Nu Castleton Collision and Lev’s Auto Repair, are both located in the hardest hit area of Brooklyn, New York.

The checks were handed over in person in May by CIF trustees Jim Muse (pictured right with Frank Ruiz of Nu Castleton Collision), CIF Treasurer and National Accounts and Industry Relations Manager for Axalta Coating Systems, Inc., as well as Jeanne Silver, CIF Trustee and Owner of CARSTAR Mundelein of Mundelein, Illinois. The two trustees traveled to Brooklyn, New York to ensure the delivery was made with the sentiments of the entire CIF Board given to the two owners who have been through so much in rebuilding their businesses.

“It felt great that other people in the industry care about shops like us, and this gesture went a long way in helping us get back on our feet,” commented Rosario DiGregorio of Nu Castleton Collision. “No one else came back with any help like FEMA or insurance payment. This helped us buy a few things for the shop and it was a nice feeling of hope. I would just ask that everyone keep donating for the future.”

Lev Schmidt of Lev’s Auto Repair Inc. voiced similar sentiments about his receiving a donation from CIF. “This storm hit us hard. It really meant a lot to us that there was a group out there that cared about what happened here. We didn’t think know this was possible, and to have your own industry stand up for you is amazing and heart-warming. We can’t thank those who’ve donated enough for their generosity.”

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.

​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.”

​The fifth time’s a charm for the recent Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) Gala Fundraiser held on January 15, 2015 in Palm Springs California. Raising the bar on a sellout crowd, the foundation again hosted the lively cocktail party, complete with Asian Fare hors d’oeurves and delicious cocktails at the renowned Lulu California Bistro.

Approximately 120 people from the industry attended the fun event, more than years prior. The large group of attendees were able to participate in a raffle and silent auction featuring many donated items including high-end electronics, custom (pinstripe) artwork, and a NASCAR® Race Package.

The gala was very successful and CIF was able to raise an unprecedented $34,000, also more than any year before. The major focus of the foundation’s support has been the Collision Industry Relief Fund, which helps collision repair professionals who have lost their livelihoods from a natural disaster or other catastrophe.
Commenting to the success attributable to sponsors and attendees, Cheryl Boswell, CIF’s Treasurer said that, “Our sponsors have seen the value of the Foundation and have supported us in excess of previous events and continue to help spread the word of our efforts. They help us keep those in need in reach of assistance, and through events like our annual gala, we can continue to do so.”

​You can now support CIF by shopping on Amazon Smile! A small portion (0.5%) goes to the CIF, and you get the same products and prices you are used to!