The National Auto Body Council (NABC) reports that this year’s NABC Annual Golf Fundraiser, which serves as the primary fundraiser for the organization, was a "resounding success."
A total of 133 golfers registered for the scramble format, which took place on Jan. 11 under ideal conditions at the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort in Palm Springs, Calif.
"I would like to thank all our sponsors, including presenting sponsor Hertz Rent-A-Car, for giving the National Auto Body Council much needed support," said NABC Executive Director Chuck Sulkala. "We are extremely grateful they find our mission to magnify the good works of the industry in the view of the general public worthwhile enough to give so much of themselves. It fuels our inspiration to keep doing what we do in new and innovative ways."
This year’s fundraiser raised $55,100 that will continue to power the community projects of the NABC, including Recycled Rides, FREE, the Pride Awards and the Inter-Industry In-Language initiative, a project under development at this time.
The fundraising committee comprised of current NABC board members worked together throughout last year in setting higher goals and expectations for this year’s fundraiser, success that translated into additional raised revenue.
"Every sponsorship opportunity available was taken advantage of and every golf slot was filled equating to the higher revenue," said David Merrell, NABC golf committee chair.
An earlier tee off time and a complimentary breakfast, together with a more relaxed atmosphere, seemed to resonate with attendees and build additional enthusiasm for the Fundraiser.
Making the event that much more special was a Recycled Rides gifting ceremony in which a 1999 Ford Freestar minivan was presented to a single mother of two, Maria Mendez, a home healthcare worker from Indio, Calif., whose son is disabled. His wheelchair was difficult for Maria to load into her old station wagon. The Freestar is better suited to accommodate it and is more reliable, relieving Maria of some of the daily stress that is part of her life.
Pacific Collision Centers of Cathedral City, Calif., was the collision repair facility responsible for refurbishing the vehicle, which Hertz Rent-A-Car provided. Javier Lopez, manager of Pacific Collision Centers, oversaw the project in his shop.
The local charity that acted as a conduit for the gifting was Variety, the children’s charity of the desert, which is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of underprivileged and special needs children in the Coachella Valley, where Palm Springs is located.
The National Auto Body Council marketing and public relations committee is working on improving the current NABC website, streamlining it in a way that will encourage participation at a number of different levels.
"A minor overhaul will make it easier for people to interact with the NABC," said Craig Camacho, NABC marketing and public relations co-chair, "whether it be to sign up as a member or for an event, or to secure a sponsorship for the golf Fundraiser."
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