BETHESDA, Md. – The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) will match up to $10,000 in donations to the American Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts for Superstorm Sandy, for a potential total combined donation of $20,000. AAIA announced the initiative via Twitter during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) on Thursday, Nov. 1 in Las Vegas.
Superstorm Sandy, which struck the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic last week, left 9.6 million customers without power at its peak, and resulted in more than 100 deaths in the U.S. in 10 states. The storm led to severe flooding and mass evacuations across New Jersey and neighboring states, shut down the federal government and the New York City subway system, and resulted in the first-ever cancellation of the New York City Marathon. Early analysts are calling the storm one the most damaging hurricanes recorded in U.S. History.
“While we were at AAPEX recently, we heard from members and colleagues who couldn’t get out before the storm hit. Their stories of unprecedented damage to homes and businesses was, and continues to be, heartbreaking,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “The AAIA volunteer leaders and the professional staff wanted to help. What is needed the most is money to allow the American Red Cross to provide the assistance and resources to those who are suffering.”
Donations for this effort will be accepted until Friday, Nov. 30. All AAIA members and non-members are welcome to participate. Checks should be made out to the American Red Cross and sent to AAIA, Attn: Susan Medick, 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814. AAIA will also match online American Red Cross contributions with appropriate proof of donation. For more information, contact Susan Medick, AAIA, at 301-654-6664 or email [email protected].
