LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31, 2012—The National Auto Body Council (NABC) will host an industry-wide open house in November to officially launch its $1.5 million fundraising effort for Operation Comfort’s Automotivation program, the organization announced this week during the 2012 SEMA Show.

Operation Comfort, based in San Antonio, is a nonprofit organization that provides financial and therapeutic assistance to wounded U.S. military members who are receiving treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). Operation Comfort’s Automotivation program allows wounded service members to rehabilitate through automotive-related activities—such as rebuilding and restoring cars, trucks and motorcycles—as a form of occupational therapy and career replacement.

To help deliver employable skills in the collision industry for those military veterans, the NABC will raise $1.5 million in order to purchase, renovate and equip a 30,000-square-foot accredited training facility for the program.

“These veterans have given more of themselves for their country than most of us can ever imagine,” said Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the NABC. “Imagine the great sense of accomplishment these veterans will receive from working on vehicles, learning a marketable skill and gaining employment while also being able to help someone else in need.”

The NABC’s open house, which is open to all members of the collision repair industry, will take place at 1 p.m. in San Antonio. As part of the event, the NABC will donate a Recycled Rides vehicle to an Operation Comfort volunteer who is also wounded military veteran.

“This is an incredible worthwhile opportunity to thank veterans who have given so much to us,” Sulkala said. “I absolutely guarantee your Thanksgiving will be much more meaningful once you personally witness the impact of this program on the selfless veterans who have sacrificed for our country. I am honored to be a part of this great industry-wide effort.”