RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Pete Kornafel, chairman of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee, and his wife Annie, have renewed their matching grant challenge, pledging to match select contributions to the GAAS Scholarship Fund and sponsorships of the 2012 GAAS event.
As part of “The Kornafel Matching Challenge 2012,” Pete and Annie Kornafel will match, dollar-for-dollar, the contributions of first-time donors to the GAAS Scholarship Fund and first-time sponsors of GAAS 2012. The Kornafel Matching Challenge is capped at a total aggregate of $15,000.
“Once again, Pete and Annie have stepped forward with this very generous donation to promote industry support of the scholarship fund and the Symposium, both of which have the vital mission of educating our industry’s future leaders,” said Dennis Welvaert, chairman of GAAS. “Aftermarket professionals who have enjoyed the many benefits of participating in GAAS through the years should follow the Kornafels’ example and give back to the industry with a donation to the scholarship fund or a sponsorship at the event.”
The 2012 GAAS event, set for May 16-17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago, will focus on the theme, “One Industry: Endless Opportunities.” This year marks the 17th anniversary of the event, which annually gathers the leaders of the automotive aftermarket for education and networking opportunities.
More details about this year’s event are available online here.
A brochure outlining all 2012 GAAS sponsorship opportunities is available for download at the GAAS website under the “Sponsorship” tab or by contacting contact Barbara Clark: 703-727-7505 or [email protected].
In its 16-year history, the GAAS Scholarship fund has presented more than $1.5 million in awards to more than 1,600 students. Applications are now being accepted online for the 2012 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship, awarded to students planning automotive aftermarket careers. The application process is now entirely electronic through the GAAS scholarship website, www.AutomotiveScholarships.com. The deadline to apply is Saturday, March 31.
Additional scholarship funding comes from industry contributions from individuals, companies and foundations. Contributions can be made to the GAAS Scholarship Fund, c/o Susan Medick at AAIA, at 301-654-6664, or [email protected].
