Distributors and vendors participating in the 2015 Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association’s (AWDA) Business and Education Conference have once again teamed up to make a sizeable donation to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF). Contributions to AWDA’s “One-on-One Challenge” are directly tied to the number of one-on-one meetings distributors and vendors hold during AWDA’s 2015 Conference on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 in Las Vegas. Donated funds will support the foundation’s mission of providing educational scholarships to worthy students interested in pursuing careers in the auto care industry.
The Automotive Distribution Network, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Federated Auto Parts, National Pronto Association and Auto Plus committed to donate $10 for each one-on-one meeting held between their member distributors and vendor partners during the 2015 AWDA Conference. Other participating distributors that are not aligned with one of those organizations also committed to donate.
Concurrently, members of AWDA’s Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (MAC) endorsed the goal of a $25 donation from participating vendors for each one-on-one meeting, yielding the potential for a $35 donation for each meeting scheduled during the conference.
“Last year, 42 vendors and all the major program distribution groups combined to generate more than $40,000 in donations,” said John Washbish, chairman, fundraising, UAF. “With more than 2,000 meetings scheduled this year, the potential exists for more than $70,000 in total donations to flow from this event into the foundation’s scholarship fund on an annual basis. We are still accepting pledges from our vendor partners and, with their help, expect to substantially improve on last year’s performance.”
“The success of this fundraising campaign clearly demonstrates AWDA’s rock-solid commitment to education,” said Tim Lee, chairman, board of trustees, UAF. “AWDA member distributors and their vendor partners have been integral to the foundation since its inception. Obviously, that commitment has not diminished at all.”
For more information on how to donate to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit automotivescholarships.com/scholarshiptype.cfm?type=18 or contact Barbara Cunningham at [email protected].
