Six Deserving Families Receive Refurbished Vehicles at SEMA through NABC™ Recycled Rides® Program

November 15, 2019November 7, 2019 by admin

Emotional Car Presentation to Recipients Took Place Wednesday, November 6, at the 2019 SEMA Show

LAS VEGAS (November 6, 2019) – The confetti streamed and so did the tears as six deserving Las Vegas residents received gifts of refurbished vehicles to help them take care of their families, get to work, manage medical appointments and gain their much-desired independence.

At the 2019 SEMA Show, the National Auto Body Council™ Recycled Rides® program joined forces with insurance carriers State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive, rental car companies Hertz and Enterprise, and collision repair facilities and MSOs such as Caliber Collision, Service King, CARSTAR and Gerber Collision, vendor partners such as 1.800.Charity Cars, LKQ and others.

The NABC™ Recycled Rides® recipients gathered with their children, spouses and friends to unveil their newly refreshed vehicles in spectacular fashion. Karl Champley, automotive and home improvement expert and TV host served as emcee for the presentation.

“Annually, this is our biggest event that we put on for all of those in the industry who support the work of the National Auto Body Council™,” said Darren Huggins, chairman of the board for the NABC™. “Changing lives for these six families is what we are all about, and it takes a collective effort of industry leaders to make it possible.”

The recipients included:

Chris Feliz and Amanda Holland, parents of four, who relocated to Las Vegas from a small town in Arizona with their four children, didn’t imagine they would end up homeless. But they found the Family Promise Homeless Shelter, and that helped them on the path back to independence. Chris was introduced to Job Connect, and he found a job with an apartment complex, which provided them housing. Amanda just started a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Now their challenge is getting their children to charter school and activities, which today involves some three hours on buses and ride shares. They were nominated by Family Promise, and today, Feliz and Holland unveiled a 2018 Chevy Malibu that was donated by Hertz and repaired by Service King- Red Rock. This gift of transportation will provide them the final piece they need to return to full independence.
Cathy Fromoltz and her husband John received a 2017 Toyota Corolla that was donated by GEICO and refurbished by Gerber Collision – Henderson. Cathy Fromoltz was selected by Lake Mead Ministries to help her get back on her feet after losing her position at the Rainbow Casino. She then found out she had cancer and had no insurance, which meant she and her husband had to sell their car to take care of medical bills. Cathy and her husband, who is disabled, move to Las Vegas to care for John’s parents. They also have an adult son who is mentally challenged and lives with them. This gift of transportation will help them care for their family and get to their medical appointments.
Jeremy Davis and Naomi Jenkins, who have worked hard to earn their independence. As parents of two, they trade work and child-care responsibilities between the day shift and the evening shift. They spent just a few months in the Family Promise shelter program before moving on to their own home. They received a 2018 Ford Fusion that was donated by Enterprise and refurbished by CARSTAR Collision Masters in Las Vegas. Between daycare, school and jobs, this gift of a vehicle will make an incredible difference in their lives.
Felicia Houston is a hardworking single mother of an 11-year-old son who said reliable transportation is the only gift she wants for Christmas. Santa delivered a 2017 Nissan Altima that donated by State Farm and was refurbished by Gerber Collision. She is enrolled in the Family Promise of Las Vegas Housing and Stabilization Program and has been employed at Mandalay Bay Hotel for the past six years. She has been struggling to get to work and travel throughout the community on public transportation. Even though she has a reliable job she has not been able to save money to buy a car. With the gift of the vehicle, Christmas came early for Houston.
Janata Gibson, and her four teen and pre-teen sons, has worked hard to keep her family together and continue their independence. She moved to Las Vegas a year ago and landed a job within weeks but the family did not have housing. They found it would be difficult to keep the family together because some of the shelters place older teens in a separate dorm of the building. She called Family Promise and there was an opening. Gibson enrolled as a family and there was no separation of the teens. Family Promise guided the family with the necessary resources to obtain a beautiful apartment for her family. Receiving a car means not leaving two hours early to get to work, paying for a taxi to handle errands and make it easier to get the family to school and activities. With the gift of a 2018 Honda Civic from Progressive that was refurbished by Caliber Collision, she is on her way to freedom.
One additional gifting as part of this year’s program was presented earlier this fall because the family had an immediate need for transportation. Ma’Lia Ashe-Wiggings received a 2014 Toyota Corolla that was donated by Allstate and repaired by Service King – Grass Valley. Ashe-Wiggins has three little boys. She moved to Las Vegas from California due to domestic violence. When she arrived, she was working two jobs and caring for her children, two of whom have disabilities. She was let go from one job due to her child care duties and medical needs. That led her to get behind on her rent, and she became homeless. Family Promise provided her and her family shelter, food and supplies, which allowed her to work everyday and keep her children in school and daycare. Now, she is getting back on her feet, but still juggling the challenges of managing an active family, constant medical visits and the commute to work. The gift of transportation has made it already possible to more effectively take care of her family and continue her path to independence.

As part of the event, the Hall of Eagles honored Mike Anderson as its 2019 inductee. Also, Margaret Keith was recognized for her work on the NABC F.R.E.E. programs over the years.

NABC™ Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC™ Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 2,200 vehicles valued at more than $36 million.

Additional partners in the NABC™ Recycled Rides® presentation included 1-800 Charity Cars and LKQ, among others.

National Auto Body Council™ Announces 2019 NABC Award Winners

December 10, 2019November 4, 2019 by admin

Branning Collision Takes NABC™ Body Shop Image Honors, April Lausch of Faulkner Collision Center Receives NABC™ Award of Distinction

LAS VEGAS (November 4, 2019) – At the 2019 SEMA Show, the National Auto Body Council™ will join the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards event to present the awards to its annual NABC™ award winners, honoring the business leaders who set the standards for the collision repair industry.

“Across America,there are collision repair professionals who are doing incredible work to build their businesses and serve their local communities,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of the National Auto Body Council™. “We are honored to recognize these two individuals and organizations for their accomplishments, but also salute the thousands of other business leaders in our industry.”

The NABC™ Body Shop Image Award recognizes the most significant improvements made to a shop’s interior and exterior. The result of this effort improved the image in the community and promoted the professionalism of the collision repair industry.

The NABC™ Body Shop Image Award was presented to Paul Branning of Branning
Collision, with six locations in eastern New Jersey. They were selected for décor and ambiance at their location at 98 Crow Hill Rd., Freehold, NJ. Branning works hard to portray an attractive atmosphere for customers, the community and his team. Many customers comment that they feel like they’ve entered a beautiful lobby. Branning’s Freehold location is known for their large fish tank, which
brings returning customers and their children just to see the fish. Three other Branning locations are being renovated to match the standards of the Freehold location and continue the tradition.

The NABC™ Award of Distinction recognizes individuals for bravery, philanthropy, charity and selfless acts of kindness. It transcends the rigors of daily business to uncover those helping the world around them without a thought of recognition for themselves.

The NABC™ Award of Distinction was given to April Lausch, marketing manager for Faulkner Collision Center with 12 locations in central and eastern Pennsylvania. Faulkner was honored for her support of numerous NABC™ Recycled Rides® and NABC™ F.R.E.E.™ events over the year. Lausch and her team at Faulkner’s have given generously refurbishing vehicles for those in need and hosting education events for local first responders.

“We are so proud to be able to recognize the leaders in shaping the reputation and image of the collision repair industry,” said Marie Peevy, co-chair of the NABC Awards Committee.

Debbie Teter, who shares chairman duties with Peevy, seconded the honors. “There are many terrific people and companies who go above and beyond to give back to the industry and we excited to award their efforts each year.”

Body Shop Award Winners 2013

October 21, 2019October 21, 2019 by admin

Body Shop Award Winners 2013

Congratulations To Dave’s Auto Body Co. Of Omaha, Nebraska, Winner Of Our 2013 Body Shop Image Award

Dave’s Auto Body Co. was selected by the selection committee based on the complete floor-to-ceiling transformation of the facility’s interior and exterior spaces, including improvements such as landscaping around the building and parking areas located on city property. The company’s renovation resulted in a functional and visually positive physical environment that benefits not only their customers and employees but the community as well

Runner Up Finalists

Cook’s Collision, Walnut Creek, California.

“When Cook’s came to the premises, it was empty, abandoned and in need of serious work. Now customers have commented on the unique modern style and design of the building, inside and out.” – Sarah Fitzgerald & Don Wood

Car West Auto Body, San Jose, California

“Extensive renovation of the largest repair facility in the Bay Area, water-borne paint booths, prep booths, aluminum welding booth. An extensive renovation into a fully state of the art facility. ”– Craig Moe

Body Shop Award Winners 2015

October 21, 2019October 21, 2019 by admin

admin

Award Of Distinction Winner

Mid Island Collision
Rockville Centre, New York

Body Shop Image Award Winner

Jim Gutherine
Car Crafters
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Excellence In Community Service Award

Marian Rodriguez
CARSTAR Mundelein
Mundelein, Illinois

NABC Recycled Rides® Program Joined Hertz and CARSTAR Ideal Arvada In Donating a Refurbished Vehicle to a Deserving Denver Veteran in Need of Reliable Transportation

December 31, 2019October 21, 2019 by admin

NABC Recycled Rides® Program Joined Hertz and CARSTAR Ideal Arvada In Donating a Refurbished Vehicle to a Deserving Denver Veteran in Need of Reliable Transportation

Car Presentation Held Saturday, October 19, at the Westminster Harvest Festival

WESTMINSTER, CO (October 21, 2019) – On Saturday, October 19, a deserving Denver veteran experienced a life-changing event – the presentation of a vehicle that will provide her independence and the ability to work and take care of her family – thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with car donor Hertz and collision repair partner CARSTAR Ideal Arvada, located in Arvada, CO.

The presentation was held at the Westminster Harvest Festival this past Saturday.

“It was an honor to meet our recipient, Alexandria Faulkner, and recognize her service in the U.S. Army at this popular Denver event,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of NABC™. “Many thanks to our NABC™ Level One members Hertz and CARSTAR for making today’s car presentation possible. We hope it provides Alexandria the opportunity to fulfill her potential in her post-military career.

NABC Recycled Rides®, Hertz and CARSTAR Ideal Arvada presented a 2017 Hyundai Elantra to deserving veteran Faulkner. Faulkner served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist / E-4 in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. She received the following commendations:

Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star
National Defense Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ M Device

“My husband and I are disabled veterans, and this car will allow us to get to medical appointments and other daily activities,” said Faulkner. “I work at the VFW as the Post 1 Commander, so it will also help me take care of other veterans.”

Later this fall, Farmers’ Insurance and Caliber Collision Westminster will present a second vehicle to a local resident as part of the NABC Recycled Rides® program.

NABC Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council® have donated more than 2,200 vehicles valued at more than $36 million.

Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation included 1-800 Charity Cars, Striped by Louie, Street Smart Window Tinting, Discount Tire and Ralph Schomp Hyundai. Participating CARSTAR Ideal Arvada team members included:

Wayne Samuel, GM
Jeff Samuel, Owner
Sheila Samuel Lefor, Owner
Jami Sandstrom, Parts Manager
John Bey
John Mares
LJ Sandavol-Navarro

Faulkner Collison Center Of Lancaster Joins State Farm In Donating Refurbished Vehicles To A Deserving Lancaster Veteran In Need Of Reliable Transportation

November 11, 2019October 11, 2019 by admin

Faulkner Collison Center Of Lancaster Joins State Farm In Donating Refurbished Vehicles To A Deserving Lancaster Veteran In Need Of Reliable Transportation

LANCASTER, PA – On Thursday, October 10, a deserving Lancaster veteran experienced a life-changing event – the presentation of a vehicle to provide him independence and the ability to work and take care of his family – thanks to Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster and car donor State Farm, along with the National Auto Body Council™ Recycled Rides® program.

The presentation was held at the Faulkner Collision Center at 1350 Loop Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601.

“It’s an honor to give back to a veteran who has given so much for his country,” said April Lausch, Collision Center Manager for Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster. “We want to help Matt and his family continue on their path to independence and employment. We’re proud to contribute the time and talents of our team to provide him safe, reliable transportation.”

Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster and State Farm presented a 2017 blue Chevrolet Cruze to deserving U.S. Army veteran Matt, who served 15 years and did two tours to Iraq, January 2003-April 2004 and May 2009-September 2010. He served as an 88M Motor Transport Operator.

“Oh my, I can’t believe this is happening to me,” Matt said of the donation. “I believe if you work hard, good things happen.”

After leaving the service, Matt got married and relocated, which meant he lost his job and his housing. He heard about TLC/Veterans’ Victory House through veteran connections and he worked with his Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) case manager on his goals of increasing income, finding housing and saving for a car. He started off at a temp agency and then got hired fulltime, thus completing one of his goals of increasing income. He found permanent housing with the help of his SSVF case manager’s assistance.

He had been relying on public transportation, rideshares and friends to get to and from work, so with the presentation of this vehicle, all of his goals will be completed.

NABC™ Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC™ Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council™ have donated more than 2,200 vehicles valued at more than $36 million.

Vermont First Responders Learn New Rescue Skills through National Auto Body Council™ First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) Program

November 11, 2019October 3, 2019 by admin

Vermont First Responders Learn New Rescue Skills through National Auto Body Council™ First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) Program

South Ryegate, VT — In crashes where minutes can spell the difference between life and death, first responders to the accident scene need up-to-date information so they can act quickly and safely! Knowing specifically where and how to efficiently cut and extricate can make the difference in saving precious minutes and lives as well as the safety of the first responders.

Keeping first responders up to date on the latest new technology in vehicles is a challenge for every local fire department. The NABC™ First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.™) helps first responders stay abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design. High-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles are all covered in the program. The growing popularity of high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicles and the many safety concerns surrounding these vehicles makes this program a necessity. Alternative fuel systems present different challenges when first responders arrive at the scene of an accident. Electric cars, hybrid cars and natural gas vehicles have fuel systems that pose dangers for first responders if need arises to cut or pry the vehicle for rescue.

Darlings Auto Repair Inc. 315 Creamer Rd. South Ryegate, VT, 05069 hosted first responders from the Groton Volunteer Fire Department at a special NABC™ F.R.E.E.™ education and guidance program on September 14 to help ensure Vermont drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident. State Farm Insurance donated the vehicle and Genesis Rescue Systems provided the classroom information and extrication demonstration.

Local First Responders Learn New Rescue Skills through National Auto Body Council First Responder Emergency Extrication™ Program

November 11, 2019September 27, 2019 by admin

Local First Responders Learn New Rescue Skills through National Auto Body Council First Responder Emergency Extrication™ Program

NABC™ F.R.E.E.™ Program, Hurst Jaws of Life, Interstate Rescue, State Farm and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Hosted Event for Virginia and West Virginia First Responders on How to Extricate People from Today’s Advanced Vehicles

RUCKERSVILLE, VA (September 26, 2019) – More than 50 first responders from dozens of fire departments and rescue squads across Virginia and West Virginia gathered today for a hands-on demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in the region, all thanks to the National Auto Body Council F.R.E.E.™ program and partners Hurst Jaws of Life, Interstate Rescue, State Farm and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

In crashes where minutes can spell the difference between life and death, first responders to the accident scene need up-to-date information so they can act quickly and safely! Knowing specifically where and how to efficiently cut, pry and extricate can make the difference in saving precious minutes and lives as well as the safety of the first responders.

Keeping first responders up to date on the latest new technology in vehicles is a challenge for every local fire department. The NABC™ First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.™) helps first responders and rescue units stay abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design. High-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles are all covered in the program. The growing popularity of high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicles and the many safety concerns surrounding these vehicles makes this program a necessity. Alternative fuel systems present different challenges when first responders arrive at the scene of an accident. Electric cars, hybrid cars and natural gas vehicles have fuel systems that pose dangers for first responders if need arises to cut or pry the vehicle for rescue.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and NABC™ F.R.E.E.™ hosted first responders and rescue units from throughout Virginia and West Virginia at a special NABC F.R.E.E.™ instruction program on Thursday, September 26 to help ensure the region’s drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident.

“We’re honored to be at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today with these tremendous partners to provide this NABC™ F.R.E.E.™ education program,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of the National Auto Body Council. “Knowing that these dedicated men and women who serve as first responders in this region are committed to this level of advanced training provides confidence that our friends and families on the roads here are in the most qualified hands.”

Hurst Jaws of Life and Interstate Rescue provided the tools and education, State Farm and M&M Auto Parts donated the vehicles. Additional partners included Insurance Auto Auctions, Colonial Auto Center, Mission BBQ and Panera Bread.

“State Farm is pleased to donate five newer model salvaged vehicles for the First Responder Emergency Extrication training,” said Kate Beadle, State Farm spokesperson. “First Responders help their neighbors recover from auto accidents. We want to make sure they remain safe during extrications.”

National Auto Body Council Hosts Veterans In Drive Fore Courage Program

October 22, 2019September 5, 2019 by admin

National Auto Body Council Hosts Veterans In Drive Fore Courage Program

Deserving Local Veterans Honored as Part of
NABC Garden State Pars for Cars Golf Fundraiser Presented by Enterprise
At Mountain View Golf Club in Ewing Township, NJ

PRINCETON, NJ (September 5, 2019) – Recently, deserving New Jersey area veterans had an opportunity to experience a day on the golf course with leaders from the collision repair industry, courtesy of the National Auto Body Council and the annual Drive Fore Courage program.

The program was held as part of the NABC Garden State Pars for Cars Golf Fundraiser at the Mountain View Golf Club in Ewing Township, NJ. More than 15 veterans participated in the event. All Star Auto Lights, Subaru, Enterprise and Caliber Collision sponsored the Drive Fore Courage program.

“It has become a tradition at our yearly NABC golf fundraiser to work with our sponsors to host several foursomes for area veterans,” said Keith Egan, NABC board member and NABC Executive Committee member. “They valiantly served our country, and this is a way for us to say ‘thank you’ for their contributions.”

NABC, its insurance partners and collision repair partners also presented four vehicles to deserving veterans through the NABC Recycled Rides® program. NABC Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated 2,180 vehicles valued at more than $36 million.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL
The National Auto Body Council is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council has gifted more than 2,100 vehicles, provided extrication opportunities for over 1,000 First Responders and contributed to thousands of distracted driving pledges in communities through NABC Recycled Rides®, First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the Distracted Driving Initiative. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC membership dollars. The National Auto Body Council is changing the paradigm of how the collision industry works and is viewed. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.

Local First Responders Learn New Rescue Skills through National Auto Body Council First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) Program

November 11, 2019September 3, 2019 by admin

Local First Responders Learn New Rescue Skills through National Auto Body Council First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) Program

Pulaski, VA (September 3, 2019) – More than 50 first responders from 10 fire departments gathered on August 27 for a demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in the region, all thanks to the National Auto Body Council F.R.E.E.™ program and Tuck’s Collision.

Keeping first responders up to date on the latest new technology in vehicles is a challenge for every local fire department. The NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.™) helps first responders stay abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design. High-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles are all covered in the program. The growing popularity of high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicles and the many safety concerns surrounding these vehicles makes this program a necessity. Alternative fuel systems present different challenges when first responders arrive at the scene of an accident. Electric cars, hybrid cars and natural gas vehicles have fuel systems that pose dangers for first responders if need arises to cut or pry the vehicle for rescue.

Tuck’s Collision, located at 1001 E. Main St. in Pulaski, VA, hosted first responders from 10 fire departments from the surrounding area at a special NABC F.R.E.E.™ education program on August 27 in Pulaski to help ensure Virginia drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident.

“My goal was to show people a start-to-finish accident scene,” said Stacy Tuck of Tuck’s Collision. “You get behind the wheel and are distracted or are inebriated (alcohol or drugs) and this is what the end result could be like, whether for you or the person you hit.”

State Farm Insurance provided the late-model vehicles and Genesis Rescue Systems supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration. In addition, the Virginia State Police provided a distracted driver awareness program.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL
The National Auto Body Council is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council has gifted more than 2,180 vehicles, provided extrication opportunities for over 1,000 First Responders and contributed to thousands of distracted driving pledges in communities through NABC Recycled Rides®, First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the Distracted Driving Initiative. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC membership dollars. The National Auto Body Council is changing the paradigm of how the collision industry works and is viewed. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.