If any of you have ever been to a trade show or conference where I was selling raffle tickets, you are probably tired of me asking you for money! Haha! You may not realize the reason I do that. I sell raffle tickets to raise money for the scholarship foundations and groups that provide scholarships to auto recyclers’ employees’ children. A lot of the state associations and ARA have scholarships available that are not being utilized to their full potential!
I am on the road so much with Car-Part.com that I don’t really have time to volunteer at home anymore. But, I am a big believer that we all need to give back to our communities. I volunteer with several state associations’ committees/boards, and also with the ARA Scholarship Foundation. With these groups, I have come to realize that a lot of yard owners and employees don’t know that there is scholarship money out there for their children.
ARA is working on flyers for recyclers to post at their business. I’m writing this article in the hopes that word will get around to the employees with kids going to college next year.
If your yard is a member of ARA, your employees’ children can apply for ARA scholarships. Many of the state associations and URG also offer scholarships. The one main requirement is that your business needs to be a member of that association. (I think every one of us needs to be members of ARA and our state associations anyway! But I won’t get on that soap box just right now!)
I encourage you to contact your state association to see what is available through them. If you need help finding yours, contact me — I can help! For information on ARA scholarships, visit a-r-a.org/ara-foundations.html and click on “application” to download the ARA scholarship paperwork. Also, when you see me coming with a handful of raffle tickets, PLEASE don’t run and hide!
As always, have a GREAT month and text, email or call me with any questions!
Theresa Colbert is a public speaker who goes to state association meetings, at no charge, to give classes on cores, brokering and much more. She offers on-site support to salvage yards in many areas and has been an on-the-ground representative for Car-Part.com for five years. Prior, she worked at Nu-Parts Automotive Products for 10 years, was a manager at Winter Auto Japanese Engines in Glendale, Arizona, and at AAA Economy Auto Parts in Phoenix, Arizona. With 23 years of industry experience, Theresa has seen the auto recycling world from almost every point of view. When she is at home, she loves to spend time with her family, play with her dogs, cook and watch football.