BETHESDA, Md.—The University of the Aftermarket Foundation saw a record fundraising year in 2013, with donations more than tripling from the previous year, according to the foundation.
"The incredible generosity of our industry is evident in the growth in the number of donors and the increased amount of donations," said Rusty Bishop, the foundation's chairman.
Though the foundation did not give a total amount for donations in 2013, it did say eight donors gave more than $100,000 each. Those donors were the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, the Automotive Distribution Network, Babcox Media, Brenton Productions, Dorman Products, Federated Auto Parts, National Pronto Association and O'Reilly Auto Parts/O'Reilly and Wooten Families.
Four other donors gave $50,000 or more each, the foundation said. Those donors were the Clay Buzzard Family, Dayco Products, Federal-Mogul and Tenneco, it said.
Founded in 1986, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation funds millions of dollars of scholarships, grants, research and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket work force, according to foundation publicity.