Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting has donated $21,000 to the Children’s Miracle Network at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

“This is the beginning of a long-term relationship between Maaco and CHOP,” said Maaco President David Lapps. “Our goal is to raise more than $500,000 over the next several years. What’s impressed me most is the whole emphasis on the human side of medicine, not just the clinical one. That’s especially important for children, given what many have to go through.”

Maaco will follow up its inaugural golf outing with an even bigger one next year, along with other fundraising for CHOP, Lapps said.

The hospital treats 1 million patients a year for all kinds of injuries and illnesses.

“No child is turned away, thanks in large part to the funds raised in the community by people like Maaco,” said Children’s Miracle Network at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Director Robin Valentino.

Founded in 1972, MAACO Franchising, Inc., is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pa. Its 475 franchise operators repair cosmetic and collision damage to more than 600,000 vehicles each year.