Distributors and suppliers who participated in the most recent Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Business and Education Conference, and accepted the AWDA Challenge, together contributed more than $92,000 to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

These donations will be used to support the foundation’s mission of funding scholarships and educational initiatives that help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket workforce.

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Automotive Distribution Network, Automotive Parts Services Group, Federated Auto Parts and National Pronto Association led the charge, contributing $25 for every one-on-one meeting held between their member distributors and vendor partners during the conference.

A record number of supplier partners participated in the AWDA Challenge, with 87 companies donating $25 for each meeting held during AWDA: A.I.T./TrakMotive, ACDelco, ADVICS North America, Airtex-ASC, Akebono, AMS Automotive, APC Automotive Technologies, Arnott Inc., Autologue Computer Systems, BBB Industries, Bosch, Bostech, Brake Parts Inc, CITGO Petroleum Corp., Cloyes Gear and Products, Continental Corporation, Continental Contitech, Dana Incorporated, Dash4 Brake Products, Dayco Products, Delphi Product & Service Solutions, DENSO, DMS Systems Corp., Dorman Products, DST-A Solera Company, Dupli-Color/Krylon/VHT, East Penn Manufacturing, Elite EXTRA, ElringKlinger AG, EnerSys, Epicor Software, Exide Technologies, FCS Automotive, Federal-Mogul Motorparts, Fuse5 Automotive Software, Gates Corporation, GB Remanufacturing, GCommerce, G.K. Industries Ltd., Global Parts Distributors, GMB North America, Grote Industries, Hastings Filters, IAP/DuraGo, Idemitsu Lubricants America, Interstate Batteries, Johnson Controls, KYB Americas Corp., Lisle Corporation, Lumileds, MAHLE Aftermarket, MANN+HUMMEL, Mevotech, MotoRad of America, NewTek Automotive USA, NGK Spark Plugs, NTN Bearing Corp. of America, OptiCat, OSC Automotive Products, The Penray Companies, Peterson Manufacturing, Plews & Edelmann, Powerstop, Premium Guard, Recochem, Schaeffler Group USA, Schrader Performance Sensors, SKF USA, Spectra Premium Industries, Standard Motor Products, Stant Corporation, Sunsong North America, Tenneco, The Timken Company, TRICO Group, TYC/Genera Corporation, UAC, UCX Calipers/Undercar Express, Unity Automotive, Uquality Automotive Products, Valeo Service, Valvoline, Warren Distribution, WD-40 Company, Winhere Brake Parts and ZF Aftermarket.

“We thank all those who took part in the AWDA Challenge for demonstrating their commitment to strengthening our industry through scholarships and educational initiatives,” said John R. Washbish, MAAP, senior vice chairman, University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “Their support of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation is greatly appreciated and we look forward to even greater participation this year.”

To learn about supporting the mission of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.uofafoundation.com