During the final stop of the 89th Annual Auto Value Product Expo Tour, Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc . (APH), in partnership with more than 50 manufacturers’ representatives, hosted its ninth annual chili cook-off. Donations were matched by both APH and the Bartlett family, pushing this year’s grand total to $257,000. 

A check was presented in a recent ceremony to the management team at WACOSA, a nonprofit day program for adults with disabilities in central Minnesota. WACOSA provides meaningful work for more than 650 people and connects that workforce to local businesses. 

“On behalf of all of us at WACOSA, we are incredibly honored to be the annual recipient of this incredible donation,” said Steve Howard, execute director of WACOSA. “This effort, led yearly by the Bartlett family and APH, provides us with the resources to assist hundreds of individuals with barriers in their lives to make future dreams reality. APH, the Bartlett family and these amazing suppliers make up a powerful team, of which we are excited to be a part. Our successes, and the successes of those we serve, are their successes.” 

“I’m amazed by the support we’ve received,” said Corey Bartlett, president and CEO of APH. “Surpassing this year’s goal of $250,000 speaks volumes about the generosity of our industry. Every dollar raised will go a long way towards advancing WACOSA’s mission. Simply put, we couldn’t be more proud of our supplier partners.”