The I-CAR Education Foundation received $1.7 million in support from the industry in 2009 for collision schools, instructors and students. Through monetary and in-kind product donations, the 2009 I-CAR Education Foundation donors helped to meet and exceeded expectations of the newly focused organization by providing student scholarships, instructor grants, tool/equipment grants and other forms of assistance.
When many national organizations and foundations outside the industry have had to lower or stop assistance due to economic times in 2009, the collision inter-industry truly showed its commitment to its future by supporting the ICAR Education Foundation, association leaders report.
“The I-CAR Education Foundation is only able to announce this incredible 2009 support because of our donors and this announcement is something the industry should be truly proud of. The Foundation exists and supports a network of 1,300 schools only through the industry’s support. Without this support, the Foundation would not exist,” says Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation executive director. “While we are excited to announce our 2009 results, we have already had great successes since the New Year in making 2010 an even better year for the students and schools. Whether it is monetary or in-kind product donation, I would invite the inter-industry to support the students, instructors, and schools through the I-CAR Education Foundation in 2010.”
“It’s very rewarding to be a part the Foundation’s new vision and mission supporting schools and rewarding talented young people, the next generation of collision repair leaders, with scholarships," adds Chris Evans of State Farm Insurance and I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees chairman. "To be able to fulfill our mission in this tough economic climate is a testament to our staff, our Trustee board and most importantly Foundation donors, who, as industry leaders, clearly believe that education is the foundation of our industry.”
Several companies, individuals and I-CAR Volunteer Committees have contributed time and resources to the I-CAR Education Foundation. Members of the 2009 I-CAR Education Foundation – Industry Leadership Circle are:
3M
ABRA Auto Body & Glass
ABRN
AkzoNobel
Allstate Insurance Company
Audatex, a Solera Company
Bar’s Products
BASF Corporation
CCC Information Services Inc.
Chicago Pneumatic
FenderBender magazine
FinishMaster, Inc.
GEICO
Hi-Tech Collision & Glass Centers
Jerry’s Body Shop
Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc.
Minutillo, Michael
PPG Industries, Inc.
Seidner’s Collision Centers
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
Sterling Autobody
Taylor, Roy
The USAA Foundation
For more information, visit www.ed-foundation.org.
