CHICAGO, Ill. – Pete Kornafel, chair of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee, along with his wife, Annie, have issued a matching grant challenge to the automotive aftermarket. Called "The Kornafel Matching Challenge," the couple will match, dollar-for-dollar, the contributions of first-time donors to the GAAS Scholarship Fund and first-time sponsors of the 2011 GAAS event. The Kornafel Matching Challenge is capped at a total aggregate of $15,000.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Pete and Annie for this wonderful cause of educating future leaders in our industry," said Dave Caracci, chairman of GAAS. “I'm hopeful that many individuals and companies who have never contributed to the GAAS Scholarship Fund or sponsored our event, will step forward to meet this challenge."

The 2011 GAAS event, which takes place May 18-19 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago, will focus on the theme “Aftermarket Fast Forward: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead.” GAAS 2011 marks the 16th anniversary of the event, which annually gathers the leaders of the automotive aftermarket for education and networking opportunities.

Events at GAAS 2011 still available for sponsorship include a lunch, two breakfast sessions, interactive handheld devices and advertising in the onsite program. A brochure outlining all 2011 GAAS sponsorship opportunities is available for download at the GAAS website under the "Sponsorship" tab or by contacting contact Barbara Clark at (703) 727-7505 or via e-mail.

Applications are now being accepted online for the 2011 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship, awarded to students planning automotive aftermarket careers. The application process is now entirely electronic through the GAAS scholarship website, www.AutomotiveScholarships.com. The deadline to apply is Thursday, March 31.