Under the HOOD
The Newsletter of RPM Foundation • Behind the Desk 2016
RPM Foundation Awarded $50,000 RPM was awarded $50,000 from the net proceeds of the live auction at LeMay – America’s Car Museum’s (ACM) Annual Wheels & Heels Gala this year. The well-attended “Casino Royale – High Stakes & Hot Cars” included a live auction that focused on the educational mission of America’s Automotive Trust, which impacts programs and students across the United States and Canada through ACM’s Museum Education and RPM. Friends of America’s Car Museum enthusiastically bid on a variety of unique auction items, showing their strong support of the Museum and its mission. Thanks, AAT!
It was a spectacular evening on June 4th, 2016 at LeMay – America’s Car Museum’s Annual Wheels & Heels Gala event, where RPM was awarded $50,000 at the “Casino Royal – High Stakes & Hot Cars” live auction.
Message from the President It quickly became clear in early 2016 that the RPM Foundation did much, much more than awarding grants – with providing services, sharing resources and awarding grants. RPM not only supports the existing restoration educational programs and their students, but we are changing the landscape of the education-to-shop pipeline, influencing the growth of restoration curriculum at the high school level, mentoring students and teachers, and collaborating with shops. With the help of Board Members, staff, volunteers, donors and friends, RPM made significant accomplishments that went beyond expectations. We exceeded our targeted 350-450 students touched by RPM by reaching 725 18-25 year olds, cultivated relationships with “auto hot spots” in new locations such as Tennessee and Maryland, and surpassed support from individuals by engaging meaningfully with national and regional car clubs while presenting at meetings, providing content for publications, and participating in events. RPM presented to more than 5,500 people in 2016 in both the Collector Car Industry and the Automotive Industry – a feat that explains how RPM has established itself as a thought leader, three years earlier than expected! Beyond our three main program areas – provides Services, sharing Resources and awarding Grants – RPM is contributing to a shift in the marketplace.
Diane Fitzgerald went to Atlantic City, NJ and visited the Plumbo Buckley Antique Car Museum, which is home to some amazing vehicles, including this 1907 Mercedes Landaulet, owned by Victor Plumbo.
As RPM evolves, I expect that the mission will expand to serve beyond restoration and preservation educational programming to include all elements of the Collector Car Industry and its service providers. There is a lot to do, and we’re getting it done! See you along the way.
1