TEQUESTA, Fla. — On the heels of its annual meeting of trustees held each year in conjunction with the AAPEX/SEMA show, the Aftermarket Foundation has reported another successful year of operations, and an exceptionally successful fundraising golf tournament held at the Las Vegas Country Club.

Bob Schoeberl, a long-standing board trustee and one of the architects of the annual fundraiser, said he was delighted to report that the fundraising from the annual golf tournament this year was highly successful and expressed his thanks to all those in the aftermarket who participated and donated so generously.

Bob Hirsch, president of the Foundation, paid particular tribute to board members Schoeberl, Andy Dudash (chairman of the Golf Tournament Committee) and board member Lynn Parker of Tire Kingdom, whose initiative challenged other board members and bolstered the fundraising drive with a block of increased Tee Sponsorships.

“Bob, Andy and Lynn are the key organizers of this important event and have made this golf tournament one of the mainstays of our fundraising activities each year, but this year they surpassed even their own previous successes and we were just thrilled to see that tally rise above our goal for 2010,” Hirsch said.

Hirsch added, “We also want to sincerely thank all sponsors, contributors and participants for their generous support and a special thanks to the entertaining Golf Pro Bruce Fleisher for adding not only his celebrity, but his genuine good spirit once again.”

While this year’s Golf Outing fundraiser exceeded the Foundation’s expectations, the need for both funding and cases to assist with is greater than ever, the non-profit group said. The board continues to look at the long-term picture and has set some new objectives to take steps to increase public awareness of the Foundation, and to ensure that the Foundation is able to more fully extend its outreach to those in our industry in need of help.

“Unfortunately, many people in need are reluctant to come forward on their own to ask for assistance, and we therefore depend heavily upon others of our colleagues in the aftermarket industry, whether at the manufacturer, WD, retail or repair shop level, who are not themselves in need, to come to us and identify those of our industry family who may be in need but might be uncomfortable coming forward," said Hirsch. "We have processes in place for discreetly and tastefully approaching those people, and then determining whether or not there are serious and qualified unmet needs.”

Hirsch added: “Following our annual meeting, it is clear that the Aftermarket Foundation is financially strong and healthy, and we need to maintain that underlying strength, but it is also clear that our trustees recognize the need to further extend our reach, and we will be taking steps to do that during the coming year and beyond. Decisions were taken at the meeting, as well, to take steps to diversify our fundraising. A number of ideas are being explored and some will be implemented starting this year, so the Aftermarket will be hearing more about this in the coming months.”

Over the past year the Foundation continued to support a number of members of the aftermarket industry who might otherwise have fallen through the cracks of the system, the Foundation noted.

“Our board members continue to be very proud of the job we’re doing, and the support we have been providing to some very needy folks from our industry, and we are all committed to doing even more.” Hirsch said.

Hirsch concluded by stating, “On behalf of the Foundation and its dedicated board, I want to encourage all of you in the aftermarket to donate and support the Foundation, but of equal importance, please also let us know if and when you encounter an aftermarket industry member or family you think may be in need of help. We can take it from there."

The Aftermarket Foundation is the only charity dedicated solely to helping industry members and their families. Support can take the form of immediate, one-time assistance or make take the form of longer-term support. A 100 percent volunteer organization, the Aftermarket Foundation is comprised of representatives from across the aftermarket industry. Originally founded in 1959, the Aftermarket Foundation is a 501 [c] (3) charitable organization. Visit the Foundation’s website to learn more and get involved.

While committee work goes on throughout the year, the full Board of Trustees of the Aftermarket Foundation meets annually, concurrently with AAPEX/SEMA show in Las Vegas for the review and planning of activities, setting of policies and review and approval of the annual financial reports.