By SEMA Editors
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As the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) prepares to aid families affected by Hurricane Harvey, SEMA is coordinating its efforts with the foundation to identify and assist those impacted by the disaster.
“SEMA is contacting member companies in southeast Texas and other affected areas, and will be taking part in aftermarket industry efforts to raise and distribute funds for assistance,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “As in the past, the clearinghouse for these efforts will be the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. SEMA will be coordinating with the Foundation to aid aftermarket families affected by Hurricane Harvey.”
“It is very early in the process, but our intention is to explore every avenue to identify aftermarket families that need our help during this unprecedented natural disaster,” said AACF President Bob Hirsch.
“Although AACF doesn’t claim to be a disaster-relief service, we will do our best to identify and assist those industry families that have immediate and unmet needs in keeping with our mission to support aftermarket families facing catastrophic circumstances,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF.
AACF is asking for tax-deductible donations to help provide urgently needed funding. Donations can be made online; by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL, 32886; or by calling 772-286-5500.
“Clearly, we don’t know what shape our response is going to take yet,” Ayres continued. “What we do know is we’re going to need the generous support of our industry if we want to be in a position to respond. Thank you to all those who have already made contributions. Donations of any amount are welcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who suffer during this profound time of crisis.”
The AACF has been helping aftermarket families turn tragedy into triumph since 1959. Like the industry, AACF is driven by passion and devoted to family. AACF will provide additional updates on this initiative as they become available.