The National Auto Body Council (NABC) PRIDE committee has opened nominations for the 2009 PRIDE Awards, which recognize those in the collision industry who donate their time, energy and financial resources to worthy causes outside the industry.
As the NABC anticipates the next round of nominations, the organization would like to recognize the four PRIDE winners from 2008:
James Phillip Tanner – autobody instructor at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina – has been instrumental in providing financial and other charitable assistance to a range of causes, including the John Fling Ministries, the U.S. military, and SkillsUSA. He has been involved in mentoring students at Irmo High School, and is widely recognized as a role model for teachers and students by local educational administrators.
Mervyn A. Campbell – owner of Centennial Auto Body in Roosevelt, New York – has dedicated himself to public service and safety, particularly in the area of fire prevention. He is the Uniondale Fire Commissioner and is actively involved in community organizations and events related to fire and emergency preventiveness. He is an honorary member of the Uniondale Member of the Manor Engine Company, received the Nassau County Executive and Legislative Recognition Awards, and was given a public safety award from Hoftsra University.
Joseph Sanfillipo III – chief operating officer of USA Collision Centers in Cincinnati, Ohio – has fought for over three years against leukemia, a disease his wife, Anne Marie, contracted. With local groups, he managed to raise over $250,000 in 2008. Thanks in large part to his efforts, “Fight for a Cure” day has become an annual event with the support of the entire USA Collision team. They have helped Joseph raise over $650,000.
Rich Gabianelli, John Kurze, Ricardo Perez, Gene Scheithe and Mark Pellino – technicians who work at neighboring collision repair facilities Gabby’s Auto Body and Gene’s Auto Body in Seymour, Conn. – saved a man who had crashed into a parked construction trailer and was trapped under his car’s wreckage. The men successfully dragged the driver through a bent door frame moments before the vehicle burst into flames, saving the man’s life.
This is the fourteenth year NABC has sponsored the PRIDE Awards. CARSTAR’s Bob Keith is the new PRIDE co-chair.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to co-chair the PRIDE committee this year,” he said. “The PRIDE Awards reach to the core of the NABC mission as we recognize those in the industry that have gone far beyond their individual business needs to support their community.”
For more information, call (888) 667-7433 or visit www.autobodycouncil.org.
