The collision repair industry’s campaign to raise $500,000 to help Camp Mak-A-Dream build a medical facility is entering the home stretch. The effort, spearheaded by the National Auto Body Council (NABC) through its Collision Industry Foundation, has garnered more than half its goal as we go to press. But just four short months remain to raise nearly $230,000.

In April 2001, the NABC put its support behind Camp Mak-A-Dream’s effort to raise money for a medical center. Camp Mak-A-Dream is the only camp of its type that accepts children and young adult campers who are currently fighting cancer. The camp also offers special winter camps for young adults and hosts winter retreats for women with breast cancer as well. From time to time, patients need emergency chemotherapy or other medical attention. The desire to accommodate all of these deserving individuals has generated the need for improving the camp’s current medical facilities.

That’s the immediate goal of the Camp Mak-A-Dream project. By raising $500,000 in funds, the camp gains access to a matching grant that will help complete the $1.3-million medical facility at the camp in Missoula, Mont. On Dec. 31, the matching grant necessary to fund the facility expires, and the industry’s chance is lost to show the world that it cares.

As you have seen in our news section throughout the past 18 months, the industry has responded enthusiastically. This support was unwavering even in the face of the horrific events of September last year. Collision repair facilities, suppliers, state, local and national associations and numerous individuals have given their support both financially and by helping to organize fund-raising projects. From individuals making personal donations to numerous fundraisers such as barbeques, golf outings, motorcycle rides and a swim from Alcatraz across the San Francisco Bay, support has poured into the project. But, considerable fund raising remains if the industry is to secure the entire $500,000 goal by the end of this year. 

The project was launched with more than just a medical center in mind. The hope was that by limiting the size of donations, many people in the collision repair industry would contribute to the monetary goal’s eventual success. The idea was simple—with more than 50,000 collision repair facilities in the United States, just $10 per body shop would more than meet the target sum. 

As the fund-raising efforts enter the final stretch, I hope you’ll find the time to help in the effort. Whether it’s a fund-raiser in conjunction with next month’s Collision Repair Industry PRIDE month, or an individual donation, you’ll be joining countless others in the collision repair industry who have given of themselves to help others who are less fortunate.