Auto Specialist Warehouse raised approximately $5,000 for the Semper Fi Fund during its 25th anniversary open house event held in July on the grounds of the Auto Pride WD’s state-of-the-art, 8,000-square-foot warehouse in Vista, California.
“In 2008, one of my vendor partners lost his son in the Iraq War,” said Michael Cobb, owner of Auto Specialist Warehouse. “This personal moment really touched me, so I began hosting events such as this most recent gathering honoring our 25th anniversary. It’s all designed to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund, which provides urgently needed resources and support for post-9/11 combat-wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. It just feels right to me, so that’s what I do.”
The Auto Specialist 25th anniversary event attracted nearly 500 of the WD’s customers, with some guests traveling 60 miles to attend. The festivities included a cookout, a march conducted by the Color Guard of the Vista High School ROTC and raffle drawings for such prizes as a Snap-on Kegerator, electric bikes valued at $700 and a high-tech DJI drone. Other attendees included veteran marines selling ASW Semper Fi T-shirts, along with 25 Network vendor partners showcasing their latest products and services and talking shop.
“Our customers had the opportunity to see new products and services they don’t normally associate with us, including those on display by three new vendors,” said Cobb. “Nowadays, with face time with vendors being such a rarity, our customers can see we are continually reaching out to more manufacturers to meet their needs. So not only did we raise money for this wonderful cause but we also strengthened relationships with our customers.”
