Huntingdon, PA, August 19, 2025
News Summary
CREF’s 23rd Annual Golf Fundraiser held at Philmont Country Club has raised over $120,000 to support collision repair programs and student scholarships across the nation. The event attracted more than 120 golfers and nearly 30 sponsors, featuring exciting vehicle donations through the NABC Recycled Rides initiative. Local residents Quenzell Robinson and Tonia Harris were awarded refurbished vehicles, underscoring the impact of the fundraiser. The event was a testament to community support for educational opportunities in the collision repair industry, with plans set for another fundraiser in the future.
Huntingdon, PA – CREF’s 23rd Annual Golf Fundraiser has successfully raised over $120,000, benefiting collision repair programs and student scholarships across the United States. The event took place on July 22 at the Philmont Country Club and saw participation from over 120 golfers and nearly 30 sponsors.
This year’s fundraiser was co-hosted by PPG Automotive Finishes and included a special presentation organized by the National Auto Body Council (NABC) focusing on the Recycled Rides initiative. Two local residents from Philadelphia were recipients of refurbished vehicles, highlighting the program’s contribution to their lives.
The first recipient, Quenzell Robinson, was awarded a 2017 Ford Explorer. Robinson is a dedicated student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania who is balancing numerous academic commitments amidst financial hardships. The vehicle is expected to significantly ease his stress associated with commuting for both school and work.
The second vehicle recipient, Tonia Harris, received a 2019 Jeep Compass. Harris has triumphed over numerous challenges and has now secured stability and success in her role as a business analyst. She emphasized the importance of reliable transportation in her transformation from homelessness to becoming a director at a home care agency.
Brandon Eckenrode, the Executive Director of CREF, thanked all sponsors, golfers, and volunteers for their contributions, which made the event successful. The winning team of the golf competition was from All Clear Diagnostics, comprising Bill Weber, Andrew Gravelin, Marc Cuomo, and Steve Zang.
Additionally, individual contests were held throughout the day, with Brandon Lowder winning the prize for the longest drive. The CREF’s Annual Ball Drop also brought in over $4,000, with cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 awarded to three winners.
During the event’s reception, Edwin Ortiz and Joe Amabile, both collision instructors, underscored the critical support that CREF provides to educational programs and students. CREF Board Chair Brenda Hogen expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement and support, setting a positive tone for the future.
Plans are already moving forward for the next golf fundraiser in 2026, signaling continued efforts to enhance support within the collision repair industry and education sector. The vehicle donations for the Recycled Rides program were generously provided by Allstate and refurbished by Crash Champions, both of whom are NABC Level One partners. Family Promise of Philadelphia was instrumental in nominating Robinson and Harris as recipients.
Additional partners contributing to the Recycled Rides initiative included Eye Can Fix That (ECFT), AutoZone, The Polished Anchor Detail, among others, showcasing a community effort aimed at positively impacting the lives of individuals in need.
Key Features of the Fundraiser Event:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | July 22 |
| Location | Philmont Country Club, Huntingdon, PA |
| Funds Raised | Over $120,000 |
| Participants | 120 golfers and 30 sponsors |
| Vehicle Recipients | Quenzell Robinson and Tonia Harris |
| Winning Team | All Clear Diagnostics |
| Longest Drive Winner | Brandon Lowder |
| Future Plans | Next fundraiser in 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of CREF’s 23rd Annual Golf Fundraiser?
The event aimed to raise funds for collision repair programs and student scholarships nationwide.
What were some highlights of the event?
Key highlights included the presentation of refurbished vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides initiative, a successful charity golf competition, and the engagement of over 120 golfers.
Who were the recipients of the refurbished vehicles?
The vehicles were awarded to Quenzell Robinson, a student facing financial challenges, and Tonia Harris, who has overcome significant obstacles in her career.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Autobody News: CREF Annual Golf Fundraiser Boosts Collision Schools
- Wikipedia: Collision Repair
- Body Shop Business: NABC Donates Recycled Rides
- Google Search: Automotive Scholarships
- Body Shop Business: ASE Chairman’s Scholarship Awarded
- Google Scholar: Automotive Education
- Body Shop Business: ASE Webinar on Automotive Scholarships
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scholarships
- Body Shop Business: Collision Students Apply for Busch Memorial Scholarships
- Google News: Collision Repair Scholarships
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
