Industry provides record $9.4 million through CREF to support collision programs in 2013

Feb. 27, 2014
In 2013, the collision industry donated nearly $9.4 million to high school and college collision school programs through CREF. 
In 2013, the collision industry nearly doubled the 2012 amount of support it provided to high school and college collision school programs through the Collision Repair Education Foundation with nearly $9.4 million in product and monetary donations. Ninety percent of this support was in the form of in-kind donations and the collision industry surpassed the $20 million mark in total giving through the Collision Repair Education Foundation since 2008. Also, working towards being as lean of a charitable organization as possible with a full time staff of four, ninety cents of every dollar donated went towards supporting the school programs, instructors, and students in 2013. 

“The incredible growth in support that the Collision Repair Education Foundation has been able to provide since 2008 is a direct result of the industry’s generosity and to nearly double the amount donated in 2013 compared to 2012 shows how much our supporters believe in the technical education of industry’s future professionals,” said Clark Plucinski, Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director.  “The vast majority of the donations are in the form of in-kind donations such as parts, tools, equipment, and supplies which are greatly valued by the collision school programs due to their limited budgets. In 2014, we are increasing our focus on securing additional monetary donations in order to be more strategic and impactful as a collision industry foundation.  As a result, monetary donations provide the greatest flexibility to fund the industry’s most pressing needs as well as emerging opportunities that cannot be addressed with in-kind support. Furthermore, the Foundation is working on innovative initiatives and has developed a new model for collaboration that we believe will deliver tremendous value back to the collision industry.  On behalf of the Board of Trustees, staff, and collision school programs we support nationwide, we thank our 2013 supporters and look forward to working closely with the collision industry in 2014.”

Chris Northup, Collision Repair Education Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman and Professional Parts Group CEO & Managing General Partner noted, “The collision industry is facing the perfect storm of an aging workforce, shortage of qualified entry-level technicians, and a technical tsunami of new technology entering the marketplace with an under-trained workforce.  This being the case, the need for the Collision Repair Education Foundation has never been greater.  Because the success of the collision industry starts with education at the school level, the Foundation is committed to closing the curriculum gap, creating the optimal training environment, and ensuring students have the fundamental skills necessary in order to be job-ready on day one of employment.”     

Northrup added, “The 2013 results for the Education Foundation speak so highly of this generous industry that understands the importance of investing in the future, giving back and preparing entry level people for a future in the collision repair industry.  2013 will certainly set the stage for the future growth of the Education Foundation and its’ efforts with students, schools and programs around the country.  Thanks again to everyone who made the commitment to be involved and help us.”

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 2014 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.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing donations that support philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Subscribe to ABRN and receive articles like this every month…absolutely free. Click here

Sponsored Recommendations

ZEUS+: The Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Solution for Smart, Fast, and Efficient Auto Repairs

The new ZEUS+ simplifies your diagnostic process and guides you through the right repair, avoiding unnecessary steps along the way. It gives you the software coverage, processing...

Diagnostic Pre- and Post-scan Reports are Solid Gold for Profitability

The following article highlights the significance of pre-scans and post-scans, particularly with Snap-on scan tools, showcasing their efficiency in diagnosing issues and preventing...

Unlock Precision and Certainty: TRITON-D10 Webinar Training for Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics

The TRITON-D10 lets you dig deep into the systems of a vehicle and evaluate performance with comparative data, systematically eliminating the unnecessary to provide you with only...

APOLLO-D9: Trustworthy Diagnostics for Precision Repairs

The APOLLO-D9 provides the diagnostic information and resources you need to get the job done. No more hunting through forums or endlessly searching to find the right answers. ...

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!