The Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA) has launched a fundraising campaign to offset the costs of sending the USA participant, Scott Raymond, to the World Skills Competition, being held in Calgary, Canada, Sept. 1-7.
Raymond was the gold medal winner in both the State (Massachusetts) and National Skills USA competitions in 2007 and will represent the USA in the autobody collision repair event. At the National Skills USA Competition in Kansas City, Raymond achieved the highest score in collision repair technology in the history of the competition. Raymond currently attends the Universal Technical Institute in Norwood, Mass.
While MABA has always paid for their state winners’ airfare and hotel to Kansas City for the nationals, this time it’s seeking assistance from the industry so that Raymond and his family will be able to attend the World Skills in Calgary without the added burden of worrying about the costs.
“It’s very appropriate that MABA is taking the lead to help a Massachusetts graduate and technician compete on the world stage,” said MABA spokesman Stephen Regan. “Now it’s up to the rest of our industry to step in and give a helping hand so that Scott can train and compete as worry free as possible. With the highest score ever recorded at Skills USA, Scott is our country’s best hope at bringing home the Gold at the World Skills Competition.”
Donations can be to the Massachusetts Auto Body Association (or MABA) Scholarship Fund, with “Scott Raymond” in the memo section. Donations should be sent to the Massachusetts Auto Body Association, 20 East Street, Hanover, MA 02061.
All donations are tax deductible, and 100 percent of the funds will go toward Raymond’s training, travel and meal expenses. Call Regan at (617) 257-1222 with any questions.
