HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – February 22, 2013 – The generosity of the collision industry in supporting its’ future professionals was displayed in 2012 as over $4.9 million was donated to collision school programs and students through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. This level of support was made possible through 175 total donors in 2012. In addition to the record amount of support, the collision industry surpassed the $10 million mark in total giving through the Collision Repair Education Foundation since 2008, when the organization began its philanthropic focus. Through both monetary and in-kind product donations, the 2012 Collision Repair Education Foundation donors helped to provide student scholarships, student tool grants, school equipment and supply grants, several Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grants, and much more.
“It is a true testament of the industry’s generosity and support that the Collision Repair Education Foundation provided over $4.9 million in 2012 and the fact that over $10 million has provided since 2008,” said Clark Plucinski, Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director. “As 175 total donors provided this level of support in 2012, imagine the potential of what could be provided with even more involved. Collision school instructors need our support now more than ever to help prepare their students with a technical education that would best prepare them for entering the collision industry upon graduation. The collision industry should be celebrating these support numbers as I am not aware of any other technical industry that shows this type of support for their school programs. It is only through our industry donors that are we able to announce this level of support and we look forward to having an even better 2013!”
For additional information about the Collision Repair Education Foundation, visit CollisionEducationFoundation.org. Inter-industry organizations and individuals who are interested in supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation in 2013 and increase the amount of assistance provided to collision schools and students should contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ed foundation.org / 847.463.5244.
