CIF Assists Triathlete Compose Charity Plan

The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) has agreed to assist a Chicago-area triathlete with his effort to raise money for Chicago-area fire departments.

The triathlete, I-CAR’s Brandon Eckenrode, plans to run the 2005 Chicago Triathlon in an attempt to raise $1,000,000 which will be used to buy and upgrade department safety equipment. Eckenrode titled the event My Tri for Chi Town.

“The Foundation will be the conduit through which the money travels,” said Doug Webb, CIF president. “Very few businesses, and even fewer individuals have their own charitable foundation. As a 501(c)3 foundation, all contributions made to Brandon’s cause through CIF are tax deductible.

“We wish Brandon all the best,” continued Webb. “But it is also important to note that what Brandon is trying to accomplish can serve as a model for other individuals and companies in the collision industry.

“The Foundation has had its own programs. Examples are the $500,000 it raised for the medical center at Camp Mak-A-Dream and, more recently, the $50,000 it raised to send two competitors to the WorldSkills competition to be held this May in Helsinki, Finland.

“But just because the Foundation has its own programs doesn’t mean it isn’t ready to help other organizations achieve their charitable goals,” Webb stated. “Any organization interested in a program similar to Brandon’s, should contact CIF. The Foundation will be more than happy to listen to any proposal.”

For more information on the Collision Industry Foundation contact 888-66-PRIDE or send e-mail to info@autobodycouncil.org.

People interested in contributing to Brandon Eckenrode’s effort should visit www.MyTriForChiTown.com . Chicago-area fire departments interested in being considered as donation recipients should contact Brandon directly at brandon@mytriforchitown.com .