CREF’s 23rd Annual Golf Fundraiser Brings in Over $120,000 “Fore” Collision Schools and Students

Created for Collision Repair Education Foundation

The Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) 23rd Annual Golf Fundraiser, co-hosted by PPG Automotive Finishes, was among the biggest and best in the organization’s history!

Held at the Philmont Country Club in Huntingdon, PA on July 22, the 2025 iteration of this annual event enjoyed participation from 120 golfers and nearly 30 sponsors supporting the industry as they enjoyed a day on the green while also raising over $120,000. Those funds, in their entirety, will be directed to CREF’s mission of supporting collision repair programs, schools and students around the country and ensuring incoming collision professionals are equipped with the entry-level skills needed to successfully pursue their collision careers after graduation.

“Thank you to all of our sponsors, golfers and volunteers who helped make the Foundation’s 2025 golf fundraiser such an incredible success,” CREF Executive Director Brandon Eckenrode stated. “Funds raised from this event allow CREF to continue supporting high school and college collision programs, students and instructors across the country.”

The winning team, from All Clear Diagnostics, consisted of Bill Weber, Andrew Gravelin, Marc Cuomo and Steve Zang.

Participants also had the chance to win great prizes by competing in individual hole contests. Although the hole-in-one prizes went unclaimed since no one managed to score an ace on the selected hole, Brandon Lowder (Indasa) won the prize for longest drive. Three participants walked away with cash prizes from CREF’s Annual Ball Drop. Roland Clerie (Wren’s Collision Group) won $250, INDASA’s Tracy Samanka received $500, and Ray Markulics (Collision Refinish Specialists) won $1,000. Thanks to the contributions from those who participated in this crowd favorite by purchasing 558 balls, over $4,000 raised from the 2025 Ball Drop will aid the Foundation’s efforts to elevate collision education.

During the reception following the day of golf, attendees heard from collision instructors Edwin Ortiz (Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology; Lancaster, PA) and Joe Amabile (Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical High School; Jamaica, NY), who shared insights about how much the support from CREF and the collision repair industry has meant to their programs and their students. Additionally, CREF Board Chair Brenda Hogen spoke about the Foundation’s mission and thanked attendees for participating in the day’s fundraiser.

“As we celebrate another successful golf fundraiser, planning has already started for the 2026 event, and we encourage any industry members to contact CREF and join in our efforts in supporting the future professionals of the industry!” Eckenrode says. “Once the location of the 2026 summer industry meetings is finalized, which will be where the CREF golf fundraiser is held, we will be sharing support opportunities with the industry.”

CREF is grateful to all its 2025 golf fundraiser sponsors and supporters, including All Clear Diagnostics & Calibrations, Allstate, Appearance Technology Group, Axalta, Caliber Collision, CCC Intelligent Solutions, Colours Inc., CAPA Certified Parts, Classic Collision, Collision Careers (powered by I-CAR), CollisionRight, Columbus Collision Education Group, CSN Collision, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Fix Network, Hertz, Gerber Collision & Glass, Indasa, Insurance Auto Auctions, LKQ, Metropolitan Car-O-Liner, National Coatings & Supplies, Saint-Gobain, PPG, Pro-Stat, Refinish Distributors Alliance, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes and Wesco Group.

Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist high school and college collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.

###

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionRepairEducationFoundation.org.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.