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Press Releases
- ASE and AACF Announce Partnership to Provide “Support Beyond Certification” for Automotive Professionals
Sacramento, Calif. – September 23, 2025 – The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) are proud to announce a new partnership designed to expand support for ASE Certified professionals and their families facing unexpected hardships.
- AACF Announces Inaugural “Boss of the Toss” Charity Cornhole Tournament and Tailgate Reception
Sacramento, Calif. – August 19, 2025 – The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is excited to announce its newest industry event, the “Boss of the Toss” Charity Cornhole Tournament and Tailgate Reception, a fun-filled evening designed to bring the aftermarket community together while supporting families in need.
Grab a drink, team up with a partner, or simply attend and cheer on the teams—and get ready to toss for a cause! This inaugural event offers a relaxed, fun-filled evening featuring competitive cornhole, open bar, delicious food, DJ, and live broadcasts of major sporting events. Attendees will also have the chance to network with fellow industry professionals, all while supporting families in the aftermarket community.
- AACF Welcomes Two New Trustees to Its Board: Zenata Perez and Mike Cooper
Sacramento, Calif. – August 12, 2025 – The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) welcomes two highly respected industry leaders to its Board of Trustees: Zenata Perez, Global Head of Sales for Vehicle Management Solutions at Sensata Technologies, and Mike Cooper, Senior Vice President of Professional US/Puerto Rico at Advance Auto Parts.
- MEMA and SEMA Strengthen Support for AACF
Sacramento, Calif. – July 22, 2025 – The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF)
is honored to celebrate the continued generosity and partnership of two of the industry’s most influential organizations: MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
Both MEMA and SEMA have played a critical role in advancing AACF’s mission, offering years of meaningful support that reflects their shared belief in strengthening the aftermarket by caring for the people behind it. Their latest contributions demonstrate not only a commitment to their respective member communities but to the health and stability of the entire aftermarket workforce.
- The Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament Returns this Fall
Sacramento, Calif. – July 8, 2025 – The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is proud to announce the return of its annual Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament, taking place this November 3rd in Las Vegas prior to Industry Week. This exciting, can’t-miss event blends world-class golf, industry networking, and a powerful purpose: to raise critical funds for aftermarket families facing financial hardship due to illness, accident, or life-altering crisis.
- Hollis Black of Prescott Valley, AZ Wins Classic Mustang
Sacramento, Calif. – June 25, 2025 – The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is thrilled to announce that Hollis Black of Prescott Valley, AZ is the lucky winner of its First Annual Classic Car Sweepstakes, driving a fully restored 1965 Mustang Convertible!
"I’ve wanted a Mustang convertible since I was a teenager,” said Black. “I’m so happy—I actually get up in the middle of the night just to go sit in the car. It still doesn’t feel real!”
- John Passante Named Inaugural Recipient of the AACF Humanitarian Award Sponsored by NEXUS North America
Sacramento, Calif. – May 27, 2025- The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501c3 supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families during the hardest moments of their lives, is honored to announce that Dr. John Passante has been selected as the first-ever recipient of the AACF Humanitarian Award, presented live during the final keynote at Auto Care Connect 2025.
Sponsored by NEXUS North America, this prestigious new award celebrates individuals, companies, associations, or groups within the automotive aftermarket who exemplify compassion, selflessness, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
- AACF Welcomes New Executive Director, John Kairys
Sacramento, Calif. – August 2, 2024 – The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501(c)(3) supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families during the hardest moments of their lives, announces the appointment of John Kairys as its new Executive Director.
- Joel Ayres Retires After Nearly a Decade as Executive Director of AACF
Sacramento, Calif. – June 3, 2024 – After more than nine years of dedicated service as the first-ever appointed Executive Director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), Joel Ayres recently announced his retirement, effective April 30th , leaving behind an industry-wide legacy of innovation, expansion, and philanthropy.
- Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Announces Inaugural AACF humanitarian award sponsored by NEXUS North America
Sacramento, Calif. – May 7th, 2024– The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501c3 supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families during the hardest moments of their lives, is pleased to announce the first-ever AACF Humanitarian Award, generously sponsored by NEXUS North America. This prestigious award aims to recognize and honor outstanding individuals, companies, associations, or groups within the automotive aftermarket industry who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving the lives of others through humanitarian efforts.
- AACF Celebrates 65 Years Serving the Automotive Aftermarket
Sacramento, Calif. – March 26, 2024-The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501c3 supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families during the hardest moments of their lives, is thrilled to recognize 2024 as the year the organization celebrates its 65th anniversary, a testament to decades of heartfelt assistance to families within the automotive aftermarket sector. Originally established in 1959 as AFFTA, AACF owes its inception to the visionary spirit of Don Schlenger, a beloved figure in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Hans Blatter Joins AACF Board of Trustees
Sacramento, Calif. – February 20, 2024-The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501c3 supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families during the hardest moments of their lives, today announced the election of Hans Blatter, President & Owner of, Castle® Products, Inc. to its board of trustees. Castle Products is a leading manufacturer of lubricants, additives, cleaners and degreasers.
- Marc Blackman Joins AACF Board of Trustees
Sacramento, Calif. – January 16th, 2024– The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501c3 supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families during the hardest moments of their lives, today announced the election of Marc Blackman, CEO of Gold Eagle Company to its board of trustees. Gold Eagle Company is the manufacturer of 303 Protectant, Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer, HEET, and other automotive, marine, and RV protection products.
- Jay Woodall Joins AACF Board of Trustees
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) today announced the election of Jay Woodall to its board of trustees. Woodall is General Manager, National Accounts Retail/Branded at Interstate Batteries.
- AACF Prepares to Aid Aftermarket Idalia Victims
As Hurricane Idalia continues its path of destruction towards the Florida coastline, the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has sprung into action, making preparations to aid automotive aftermarket families that may be impacted by the impending natural disaster.
- AACF Appoints Owens as President of Board of Trustees
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has appointed Jon Owens as the new President of its Board of Trustees. Owens, a National Sales Manager at Epicor Software Corporation, brings over two decades of experience with AACF and a deep commitment to supporting the automotive aftermarket. His dedication to assisting industry families within the aftermarket industry has earned him respect, positioning him to guide AACF to even greater success.
- Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Announces Walker Promotion
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) today announced the promotion of Misty Walker to Operations Manager. Walker had served as AACF Executive Assistant to Joel Ayres, since 2015.
- Wes Wise Joins AACF Board of Trustees
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) today announced the election of Wes Wise to its board of trustees. Wise is Vice President, Professional Sales for O’Reilley Auto Parts.
Wes joined O’Reilly in 1991 as a Merchandising Specialist at store 4039-Springfield, MO. He held many different management positions within the organization and after completing his Masters Degree he relocated to Corporate headquarters and was promoted to his present position in January 2022.
- Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament a Success
The Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament, held recently during the SEMA and AAPEX industry week in Las Vegas, was a stunning testimony to work of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation’s (AACF) Board of Directors, AACF staff and volunteers, and the large number of industry leaders who supported this annual event. It attracted 160 golfers and more than $600,000 was raised to help individuals and families in the automotive aftermarket in need.
- AACF PREPARES TO AID AFTERMARKET HURRICANE IAN VICTIMS
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is making preparations to aid aftermarket families affected by Hurricane Ian.
“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 natural disaster,” said AACF President, Larry Magee.
“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 Celebrates 30th Anniversary Charity Golf Tournament
The annual AACF Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and returning to the beautiful Spanish Trail Country Club during AAPEX/SEMA Industry week in Las Vegas.
AACF Golf Committee Chairman, Jeff Helfrich stated “we’ll have many of the same events that folks have come to enjoy. Our Sunday night cocktail reception has become a ‘Who’s Who of the Automotive Aftermarket’ and it’s exciting in today’s environment to be able to network face-to-face again.
- AACF FOUNDER PASSES AWAY
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced the passing of Don Schlenger, the co-founder of the AACF and Chairman Emeritus. Don passed peacefully at his home in Palm Beach, Florida on May, 15, 2022. Although retired, Don stayed involved with the foundation right up until his 101st birthday on May 9th of this year.
“Don was the heart and soul of the Foundation,” said Larry Magee, president of AACF. “He continued to check in by phone at our board meetings and with individuals on the board even after he was not able to travel.”
- MIKE SPAGNOLA JOINS AACF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) today announced the election of Mike Spagnola to its board of trustees. Spagnola is vice president of OEM & Product Development Programs at SEMA and oversees the SEMA Garage Product Development Center as well as the SEMA Data. Beginning February 1, 2022 he will be adding to his role; he will serve as co-CEO for the Association and will oversee the Government Affairs, SEMA Data, Human Resources and Accounting departments until a new CEO is hired for the Association.
- YANG TOP GOLF EVENT HUGE SUCCESS
Having fun AND raising funds and awareness for an important charitable cause is the definition of a true win/win! And that’s exactly what was accomplished recently as YANG (the Young AutoCare Network Group) sponsored a night of golfing fun at various Top Golf® locations around the country.
- AACF OFFERS SUPPORT TO NATURAL DISASTER VICTIMS
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is offering aid to aftermarket families affected by the recent natural disasters.
“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. - NEW BOARD STRUCTURE ENHANCES WAYS TO HELP
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced a new Board structure designed to expand the Foundation’s reach to additional markets and under served aftermarket segments. Effective immediately the Board will consist of 30 members. Additionally, AACF announces the appointment of two (2) Vice Presidents to serve on the realigned Executive Committee, Luanne Brown – President and CEO of eTool Developers, and Jon Owens – National Sales Manager for Epicor Software.
- PETER MACGILLIVRAY JOINS AACF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) today announced the election of Peter MacGillivray to its board of trustees. MacGillivray is Vice President of Motorsports Events for Bonnier Corporation.
“Peter has many years of experience and is well connected in the automotive aftermarket,” said Larry Magee, president of AACF. “He is passionate about helping people, and will bring another strong voice to our growing board of directors. AACF is very fortunate to have Peter contributing his time and talent to the growth of the Foundation.”
- THOMAS AND KAIRYS ELECTED TO AACF BOARD
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) today announced the election of Teri Thomas and John Kairys to its Board of Trustees. Thomas is a National Account Manager with Interstate Batteries, National Accounts since 2017 and has over 20 years’ experience in marketing in several different industries. Kairys is Vice-President, Parts and Service Group for TBC Corporation and has spent 37 years in the Automotive Aftermarket with names like Cooper Tires, Big O Tires, NTW Tires, and Pirelli Tire.
“I am extremely honored and excited that John and Teri have agreed to join the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Larry Magee, President of AACF. Magee went on to say, “they both have extensive Automotive Aftermarket experience and a tremendous passion to support the Foundation achieve its goal of helping people within our industry who have fallen on hard times.”
- LARRY MAGEE ELECTED NEW BOARD PRESIDENT
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced the retirement of Lynn Parker and the selection of Larry Magee as President of the Board of Trustees. Magee has been involved with the Foundation for over 25 years, and currently serves on the Foundation’s Executive Committee, Recipient Review Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Golf Committee.
Parker served on the AACF Board for over 20 years and as AACF Board President the last 3 years. “Lynn has been a dedicated and passionate volunteer and will be truly missed; we wish him the best in his new adventures,” said Joel Ayres, Executive Director of AACF.”
- FIRST ANNUAL TOPGOLF FUNDRAISER WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation announced today that the Inaugural AACF Top Contender National Championship was a big success. Teams of 6 enjoyed competing at Topgolf locations from coast to coast. “This was a fun solution to raise money for industry families, due to our Annual Charity Golf Tournament being postponed”, said Executive Director, Joel Ayres, “We saw an opportunity to try a new event, and it was a big hit!”
The Foundation is happy to announce TR Wholesale Solutions team, who played in Indianapolis, IN are the AACF Top Contender Champion winners. First runner up goes to Federated Auto Parts team who played in Richmond, VA; and Second runner up awarded to Interstate Batteries team from Columbus, OH. Each player of the winning teams will be awarded beautiful crystal trophies, and Amazon gift cards, sponsored by Truck Hero.
- AASA TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE “VIRTUAL” FUNDRAISING
As the AASA Technology Conference (ATC) concluded their virtual conference last week, the traditional banquet-closing ‘Loonie-Toonie’ game took place online to record-setting success! Reminding everyone, once again that, while times may be tough, aftermarket spirits and hearts remain generous when it comes to helping aftermarket colleagues in need of financial assistance.
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) was the beneficiary of a $4,175 gift from participants in the ATC last week thanks to some creative thinking by ATC organizers and ‘Loonie-Toonie’ game sponsors, Pricedex Software.
The ‘Loonie-Toonie’ game, which had been introduced to the ATC conference a number of years ago by AACF Executive Committee Member Terry O’Reilly, from Pricedex Software Inc., was conducted virtually for the first time ever.
- AACF ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TOPGOLF TOURNAMENT
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced today AACF’s 1st ever Top Contender National Championship.
AACF President, Lynn Parker said, “Everyone is aware by now that SEMA & AAPEX cancelled their annual shows in Las Vegas, and as a result we had to cancel AACF’s largest annual fundraising event at Spanish Trail Country Club. While this is the right thing to do, the board kept looking for ways to safely connect as an industry family, increase awareness for AACF, and raise funds to assist those in need.” Parker went on to say, “Today we are excited to announce AACF’s 1st ever Top Contender National Championship – an integrated tournament that allows teams to compete with each other “real-time” in 60 different Topgolf locations throughout North America.”
- AACF PREPARES TO AID AFTERMARKET NATURAL DISASTER VICTIMS
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is making preparations to aid aftermarket families affected by hurricane Laura and the California fires.
“It is very early in the process, but our intention is to explore every avenue to identify aftermarket families that will need our help recovering from these natural disasters happening during a Pandemic already causing untold hardship and stress for so many,” said AACF President, Lynn Parker.
“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.
- PARTS AUTHORITY AND YANG LEND HELPING HAND
Two significant auto aftermarket entities have recently stepped up to help the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) in different and unique ways.
Leading aftermarket parts distributor/retailer Parts Authority, seeking to embrace and enhance the “Stay Positive” theme initiated by their President Randy Buller as the COVID19 quarantines began, put together a battery sales promotion as a way to support AACF. Through AACF Board member Mike Peace, the Foundation connected with Parts Authority VP of Marketing Jacqueline Rodriguez to implement the “Stay Positive” promotion. During the months of May and June, for every battery sold by a Parts Authority location, $1.00 would be donated to AACF. This is a great example of how parts sellers can work with their suppliers to drive sales to their customers while at the same time give back to the industry. For more information on this fantastic effort go to AACFi.org/StayPostive.
- AACF APPOINTS NEW BOARD TRUSTEE MIKE DEVER
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) today announced the election of Mike Dever to its board of trustees. Dever is with the General Parts Company and General Manager for NAPA major accounts.
“Mike has been in the automotive aftermarket for 30 years and is well known in the industry,” said Lynn Parker, President of AACF. “He is very creative and will bring new fresh ideas helping create more awareness for the Foundation. Mike is a compassionate person bringing added strength to our already strong board of directors.”