HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – August 26, 2014 – Collision industry members are invited to join the Collision Repair Education Foundation during their industry reception the evening of Tuesday, November 4th from 8:30 p.m.-10 p.m. (Local Time) in Ballroom B at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the Las Vegas Hotel) during SEMA 2014. During the reception, attendees will hear about the organization’s efforts to support high school and post-secondary collision students, 2014 donors/supporters will be highlighted, and over $500,000 in support will be announced for the 2014 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grant applicants. Industry members will also have an opportunity to meet and greet attending collision school instructors and students.
Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode noted, “Over 100 collision school programs from over 30 states applied to have their $50,000 wish lists fulfilled in 2014 and through the industry’s continued generosity, we will be able to announce over $500,000 in support to the Makeover applicant schools during our annual SEMA reception. We would like to invite all industry professionals to join in recognizing those who are making this support possible and also introduce attendees to the instructors and students that will explain how much of a difference this support means to ensuring graduating students have a quality technical education.”
The goal of the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant is to honor a school that has been doing an outstanding job in educating students in collision repair, but needs some financial assistance to improve their program’s teaching materials and equipment. With strained school budgets, the Education Foundation and industry supporters have the opportunity to bridge the program’s financial gap and to make a difference in the lives of the students studying collision repair. As part of the Makeover grant application, schools provide an itemized wish list which can include any tools, supplies, and equipment that are needed by the collision program.
Additional details of the event will be made available as the date approaches however industry members are asked to RSVP for the reception by emailing attendee information to info@ed-foundation.org. Questions regarding the reception and/or the Education Foundation’s efforts to support the future of the collision industry can be directed to Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org or 847.463.5244.
