MEDIA CONTACT:
Alison Ilg
404.281.9806
alisonilg@nationalautobodycouncil.org
The Car Presentation Took Place at the I-CAR Regional Meeting May 7 in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, MO (May 9, 2023) – On May 7, one worthy St. Louis area experienced veteran a life-changing event – the donation of a vehicle to provide him with independence and the ability to work and take care of his family – thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with car donor GEICO and repair partner Schaefer Autobody Centers. The presentation was held at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport as part of the I-CAR Regional Meeting.
“Schaefer Autobody Centers is truly humbled to repair and donate another vehicle to a service member through the NABC Recycled Rides® Program. Local heroes, such as Dustin, routinely put their lives on their line and providing reliable transportation is our way of saying ‘Thank you!’,” said Julie Hemann, Business Development Leader, Schaefer Autobody Centers.
The recipient was Dustin Trice, who received a 2016 Kia Soul, is a Navy veteran who served from 2014 to 2017 and received the following commendations: National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, & Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Dustin’s current vehicle is nearly 20 years old and is constantly breaking down. Whether it’s the tires, brakes, alternator, or timing belt, his vehicle has left him and his family stranded more than once. Dustin works hard to provide for his family of two children ages 8 and 3 but is currently struggling with getting back and forth to work due to his vehicle being unreliable. Without consistent, reliable transportation, Dustin is at risk of losing his employment. This gift will provide that reliability that he needs to remain gainfully employed and taking care of his family.
“This is really nice, and I love the car color. I know my kids will really appreciate this car and I appreciate the companies involved in this donation,” said Trice.
“Our organization, Missouri Veterans Endeavor, wants to thank the National Auto Body Council as well as GEICO, Schaefer Autobody Centers, and Enterprise for honoring our U.S. Navy Veteran Dustin Trice with the extraordinary gift of a car and the finances to get it registered and insured. This gift is a true game changer for Dustin, as he recently graduated from his trade school where he has studied to become a master carpenter. He is currently working for a local development company, but he had challenges getting to and from work. This car will not only ensure he has all he needs to enhance his employment, but it is perfect to transport his children and family to school, activities and to visit with family and friends. Dustin is a single father and great provider. We are very proud of him and his efforts, we are thankful he and his family are members of our Veteran community, and we are excited for his and his family’s future.”
NABC Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 3,000 vehicles valued at some $42 million.
Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation include LKQ, Enterprise, 1-800 Charity Cars, Alloy Wheel Repair, Cool Wraps, Colormatch, Zisser Tire, Yancey Auto Parts, Copart, ServePro, Lou Fusz Automotive Network, and SOS Auto Glass and Calibration.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL®
The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,000 vehicles, provided extrication opportunities for over 5,000 First Responders and is helping educate students and adult drivers in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides®, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC® Drive Out Distraction program. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC® membership dollars. The National Auto Body Council® is changing the paradigm of how the collision industry works and is viewed. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.
