Under the HOOD
The Newsletter of RPM Foundation • On the Right Track
$60,000 Awarded to RPM Foundation! RPM received almost $60,000 from the net proceeds of "raise the paddle" at America’s Automotive Trust’s (AAT) Wheels & Heels Annual Gala held at LeMay – America’s Car Museum’s (ACM). The “Fast & Furious” auction was attended by many old and new friends of AAT who focused their generosity and passion for the Trust’s commitment to preserving America’s automotive heritage through the RPM Foundation and ACM’s focus on lifelong education programs. Through the RPM Foundation, AAT is able to impact programs, schools and students across the United States and Canada. Thanks, AAT! Photos by Pavel Verboski and Torrin Maynad
America’s Automotive Trust’s Wheels & Heels Annual Gala was held in a dazzling setting at LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM). The Gala featured great people, delicious food and excellent fireworks. Nancy LeMay and David Madeira did a spectacular job motivating attendees to raise their paddle, where gifts began at $25,000! Thanks to all for your generous support.
Message from the President Touring the country as I do for RPM, I am grateful to be in conversations explaining the importance of fostering the classic car skilled trades. There is a built-in understanding of the proud tradition of craftsmen and the skilled trades by RPM audiences. RPM Foundation exists to promote and facilitate the technical skills of the classic car, wooden boat and motorcycle restoration industry. The trades, it seems, are still a high school guidance counselor’s dumping ground for lost kids. The perception is that a career in the trades cannot be honorable, rewarding or profitable. One of RPM’s goals is to change that perception of technical vocations. RPM promotes awareness of the classic car trades by directly facilitating automotive restoration programs in schools through our grant funding program. We then work with individual graduates to support their job search efforts with our associated repair and restoration shops. It is extremely rewarding
and encouraging to meet and help such bright, passionate young men and women attain their vocational goals in our hobby. But we cannot do it alone! We need enthusiasts who care not only about the automotive industry, but also about improving our country’s educational system, to help us in our effort. Whether it’s financial backing, networking, lending expertise, or joining us at one of our fundraising events. There is a lot to do, and we’re on the right track! See you along the way,
Diane Fitzgerald, President
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