“I would like to thank all our sponsors, including presenting sponsor Hertz Rent-A-Car, for giving the National Auto Body Council much needed support,” said National Auto Body Council Executive Director Chuck Sulkala. “We are extremely grateful they find our mission to magnify the good works of the industry in the view of the general public worthwhile enough to give so much of themselves. It fuels our inspiration to keep doing what we do in new and innovative ways.”

The fundraising golf event was open to both individuals and teams, and was played using a four-person scramble format. The event concluded with a buffet reception, awards ceremony, and prize package drawings.

An earlier tee off time and a complimentary breakfast, together with a more relaxed atmosphere, seemed to resonate with attendees and build additional enthusiasm for the golf fundraiser.

Making the event that much more special was a Recycled Rides gifting ceremony in which a 1999 Ford Free Star mini-van was presented to a single mother of two, Maria Mendez, a home health care worker from Indio, whose son is disabled. His wheelchair was difficult for Maria to load into her old station wagon. The Free Star is better suited to accommodate it and is more reliable, relieving Maria of some of the daily stress that is part of her life.

Pacific Collision Centers of Cathedral City, California, was the collision repair facility responsible for refurbishing the vehicle, which Hertz Rent-A-Car provided. Javier Lopez, manager of Pacific Collision Centers, oversaw the project in his shop.

Visit www.autobodycouncil.org to learn more.