Oct. 29, 2012 — David Brunori, executive vice president/general manager of Matrix System Automotive Finishes, helped arrange $11,000 in equipment donations to the collision program at Oakland Schools Tech Southwest Campus in Wixom, Mich., and also has personally donated $5,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation Board.
Brunori is also a member of the CREFB of Trustees
The $11,000 worth of equipment and supplies provided to the school’s collision program included donations from several industry organizations. Dedoes Industries has donated a paint mixing machine system, various cabinets and additional painting supplies. Matrix Systems supplied all the automotive refinish paint to the school, and The CRC Line, Inc. donated masking paper, plastic sheeting and mixing cups.
Brunori’s personal donation of $5,000 will help purchase requested tools, equipment and supplies to a Michigan school that applied for the Education Foundation’s 2012 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grant and assist with the organization’s Collision Repair Education Campaign general operating fund.
“We have been very lucky to receive these donations,” said David Hollinger, an instructor with the Oakland Schools program. “In times where there is very little money available for our collision program, it is great to know that there are companies that can help.”
Brunori added, “It is amazing to me how a few gallons of paint can make a huge difference to a group of teachers and students. Technical campuses around the United States are in desperate need of corporate and personal donations to ensure our industry continues to educate the next generation of technicians. One could say it is our corporate responsibility to get involved. I knew immediately our donations were deeply appreciated just by the looks on the kids’ faces. It is a great feeling to know you made a difference.”
Industry members and companies interested in supporting secondary and post-secondary schools’ collision programs through monetary or in-kind product donations should contact CREF director of development, Brandon Eckenrode at [email protected].