RICHMOND, Va. – The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) recently donated $4,000 from the Disaster Relief Fund to two collision repair shops affected by Hurricane Sandy earlier in 2013. The two shops, Nu Castleton Collision and Lev’s Auto Repair, are both located in the hardest hit area of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Checks were handed over in person in May by Jim Muse, CIF trustee/treasurer and national accounts and industry relations manager for Axalta Coating Systems Inc.; and Jeanne Silver, CIF trustee and owner of CARSTAR Mundelein of Mundelein, Ill. The two trustees traveled to Brooklyn to ensure the delivery was made with the sentiments of the entire CIF Board given to the two owners who have been through so much in rebuilding their businesses.
"It felt great that other people in the industry care about shops like us, and this gesture went a long way in helping us get back on our feet," commented Rosario DiGregorio of Nu Castleton Collision. "No one else came back with any help like FEMA or insurance payment. This helped us buy a few things for the shop and it was a nice feeling of hope. I would just ask that everyone keep donating for the future."
Lev Schmidt of Lev’s Auto Repair Inc. voiced similar sentiments about his receiving a donation from CIF. "This storm hit us hard," he said. "It really meant a lot to us that there was a group out there that cared about what happened here. We didn’t think know this was possible, and to have your own industry stand up for you is amazing and heartwarming. We can’t thank those who’ve donated enough for their generosity."
To donate to the Collision Industry Relief – Disaster Fund, go to the website’s "Donate" page at www.collisionindustryfoundation.org or call the office at 804-427-6982 for more information.
