| CARSTAR, North America's largest multi-shop operator network of independently-owned collision repair facilities, is no stranger to the cystic fibrosis community. For several decades, CARSTAR and its franchisees, vendors, families, and friends have raised more than $3 million to advance CF research and care. After restructuring in 2017, CARSTAR became CARSTAR North America, and expanded their involvement with both CF Canada and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
CARSTAR joined the Foundation as a National Corporate Team for Great Strides in 2018, and their involvement has only increased since then. CARSTAR has hosted golf tournaments, sponsored local walks, and participated in chapter events across the country in support of the Foundation. Every June, CARSTAR gears up for “Shine Month” where they host car washes, barbeques, golf tournaments, wing nights, and more all month long to support the Foundation, their charity of choice. In the first year alone, they've raised more than $100,000.
Because of CARSTAR's dynamic efforts to grow and expand their corporate engagement with the Foundation, they were recognized as one of several National Corporate Champions this year at the 2019 Volunteer Leadership Conference (VLC) on March 29. The National Corporate Champions program recognizes corporations that annually support the Foundation through sponsorship and employee and customer engagement, which result in at least $100,000 in total contributions.
“When our franchise owners hear about this recognition, they will know that they are a part of something that is much bigger than themselves, their families, or the CARSTAR stores that they own,” said Sean Peters, director of the Driven Brands Charitable Foundation at CARSTAR. “They are truly making an impact in the lives of those living with CF. There is nowhere to go but up, and I am excited to see what 2019 will hold.”
In addition, CARSTAR received the Rising Star Award, which goes to the National Corporate Champion that demonstrates increased participation and fundraising dollars. Hannah Ross, senior director of marketing at CARSTAR, accepted the Rising Star Award on behalf of the organization.
“My experience at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's 2019 Volunteer Leadership Conference was one of the most rewarding experiences of both my personal and professional life,” said Ross. “It was so empowering hearing the stories of those affected by CF and being around other like-minded companies who are passionate about this cause.”
Congratulations, CARSTAR and thank you for making a meaningful difference to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis and supporting our mission to find a cure.