The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) would like one of its best-kept secrets not to be a secret any more. Aftermarket employers are encouraged to join the Awareness Partner Program and let their employees know the AACF is there to help them.
Founded in 1959 to assist members of the automotive aftermarket and their families, the AACF has distributed millions of dollars to help in times of great need. “Terrible accidents or catastrophic illness can occur suddenly, and drastically alter the life of a family,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of the AACF. “We are ready to step in to help. We often are called in after all available resources have been exhausted. That’s when we fulfill our mission: ‘To Provide Sustainable Solutions For Those In Great Need.'”
The AAFC has a long history. It is an organization of volunteers, many of them heads of companies in the aftermarket industry, who do not seek the limelight for themselves. “We have a tremendous group of caring, dedicated volunteers,” said Ayres. “They work at fundraising, evaluating applicants for assistance and helping to get the word out to our industry about the AACF.”
The impact of the nearly all-volunteer staff is significant. “We only have one full-time and one part-time staffer,” said Ayers. “So this group of volunteers ensures that practically all the money donated to the AAFC goes to the individuals and families who need it most.”
Individuals needing assistance, or those who know others that need assistance, can contact the AACF on their website or phone 772-286-5500. All calls and correspondence are in the strictest of confidence, and will be handled promptly.
In addition to fundraising activities conducted by the AACF, individuals and companies can make donations directly to the Foundation, right on their website aacfi.org. Donations made by check can be made payable to AACF, PO Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886-4520. The AACF is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Ayres acknowledges there is still much work to do. One of the goals for Ayres in 2016 is to increase participation and involvement by aftermarket industry companies in the Awareness Partner Program. “Our industry still needs to know more about the Foundation and what we do. That’s one of the important purposes of the ‘Awareness Partner Program.’ We ask companies to help us create an awareness campaign for their employees. They are provided with material to post and distribute. All a company has to do is contact me and I’ll make sure they receive what they need.”
Ayres can be reached via email at [email protected], or through the Foundation website, aacfi.org.
