Collision Industry Health Center Opens at Camp Mak-A-Dream

The $1.2 Million Health Center at Camp Mak-A-Dream near Missoula, Mont., was opened and officially dedicated recently.

The facility was built in part with more than $500,000 in donations provided by companies and individuals from the collision repair industry. That effort was spearheaded by the National Auto Body Council which dedicated itself to raising the funds over an 18-month period.

“NABC’s first venture into charitable work provided $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity in Kansas City,” said Jennifer Benton, the camp’s fund-raising coordinator. “For us, it was a matter of adding another zero.”

Attending the ceremony on behalf of the Council were Doug Webb, NABC chairman, and members Jeff Hendler and Gene Hamilton.

“It was an incredibly moving day,” said Webb, “When the right cause comes together with the right people, extraordinary things are the result. This new building is such a result.”

“The Camp provides a medically supervised, cost-free camping experience for Children and young adults undergoing active treatment of cancer. Other medical groups have used the facility as well for youth and adults with other medical concerns,” continued Webb. “For us to have the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful endeavor should make everyone in the industry proud.”

“Our relationship with Camp Mak-A-Dream doesn’t end with the dedication of this building,” commented Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the National Auto Body Council. “We, along with our sister organization, the Collision Industry Foundation, will continue to look at ways to support the great things the camp is doing. This might range from sponsoring children’s transportation to the camp to other capital improvements. We can say for sure that this was not a one-project effort.”

“The National Auto Body Council’s mission is to improve the image of the collision repair industry,” continued Webb. “I can’t think of a better way to show America that we are good people than to tell them this story.”

“The plaque at the entrance of the health center states in part “On October 18, 2003 this Health Center is named in honor of the Collision Repair Industry,” concluded Webb. “That pretty much tells it all.”