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CARSTAR Raises $230,000 in Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis

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The Annual CARSTAR North American Conference concludes with record funds raised.

CARSTAR
To date, CARSTAR has raised nearly a half-million dollars in the
battle to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

CARSTAR franchise partners, vendors and insurance leaders from both the U.S. and Canada came together this week at the annual North American conference and raised an astonishing $230,000 for cystic fibrosis research, care and advocacy.

Throughout the Momentum 2018 CARSTAR conference, attendees had various opportunities to donate to its charitable cause. Proceeds raised from selling CARSTAR branded socks, participating in the “Walk the Line” charity walk and bids on the silent auction all went towards fighting cystic fibrosis (CF). However, nobody was expecting the uncontrollable generosity for the final night at the CARSTAR Dinner and Awards Gala. Franchise partners mobilized, almost instantly, with a colossal showing of generosity raising $200,000 in that room alone.

“I have never been more proud to be a part of the CARSTAR family and to be working for this outstanding network of franchise partners,” said Michael Macaluso, President, CARSTAR, shown at podium above. “All we said was, ‘You can ring a bell if you donate $500’. Almost instantly, the whole room began working together to collect funds, lined up to donate on the spot or feverishly bid on the silent auction items. I was moved by the heartfelt generosity – it was an emotional evening for everyone in that room and is something that I will never forget.”

Partnering to Make a Difference in the Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis

Peter Chavez from the LC Group was first in line to donate with a $1,000 contribution that they eventually tripled later in the evening. CARSTAR Red Deer was next in line with a $1,000 donation, which was on top of the donated $2,000 prize money from Wednesday’s Shine Month Award. After that, donations came from every corner of the continent, including whole regions banning together for a partnered contribution.

Some notable donations came from:

  • CARSTAR St. Louis Business Group
  • CARSTAR British Columbia locations
  • CARSTAR Quebec locations
  • CARSTAR Edmonton Locations
  • CARSTAR Missouri-Kansas Business Group
  • CARSTAR Atlantic Canada locations
  • Tom Martin from CARSTAR Sidney Body, CARSTAR Troy and CARSTAR Piqua
  • Bob Waldron from Lancaster A-1 A B CARSTAR, Waldron’s CARSTAR Auto Body and Thomas Waldron CARSTAR Auto Body
  • Justin Fisher from CARSTAR Yorkville and CARSTAR Poplar
  • Corey and Charlotte Liss from CARSTAR Liss Auto Body and CARSTAR Liss Auto Body Schererville
  • CARSTAR Colorado business group
  • CARSTAR corporate staff

CARSTAR Ontario Leads the Way

CARSTAR Ontario locations put everyone into a state of disbelief by putting forward a colossal donation of $75,000. The Colorado Business Group, shown at right, closed out the fundraising frenzy with an $11,000 donation to push CARSTAR over the $200,000 threshold for the evening. This was on top of their $500 donation from Wednesday’s Shine Month Award prize money.

The uncontrollable fundraising momentum ended after Dave Stretz from the CMD Group secured the priceless auction item of a painting done by 6-year-old Faith Newell, who lives with CF. Mark Kharfan from the Kharfan Group also purchased $3,000 worth of CARSTAR socks, with all proceeds going toward helping the quest to end CF.

“Going into the evening, I knew CARSTAR was passionate about our cause as I have worked with the Alberta locations on various fundraising initiatives,” said P.J. Aucoin, Cystic Fibrosis Canada volunteer. “However, that night absolutely blew me away. Sitting in my seat, stunned with emotion, I witnessed everyone at that gala flock to the front, eager to contribute. I wanted to get up on stage and express how much this enormous generosity means to not only my family, but on behalf of all families affected by CF – but I was too overcome with emotion. From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my 6-year-old son Nash, thank you, CARSTAR.”

Reaching Higher With Additional Fund-Raising Opportunities

The annual CARSTAR cystic fibrosis fundraising target for 2018 was $375,000. Thanks to the CARSTAR Momentum 2018 conference, the network shattered its goal. The current total for funds raised is now at $470,000 with the Colorado Business Group and Edmonton, Alberta golf tournaments still yet to happen. The passion behind this cause has never had more momentum and the CARSTAR network plans to keep it going for next year’s conference in Chicago, Illinois.

For a full recap of the entire conference, visit YouTube.

For more information on CARSTAR, visit CARSTAR.com or CARSTAR.ca.

Photo courtesy of CARSTAR Franchising, Inc.

What You Must Know About Catalytic Converters

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Toyota Highlander
The high profile of most SUVs and trucks makes stealing a catalytic converter an easier task for brazen thieves.

Just about every vehicle sold in the United States must come equipped with a catalytic converter, a device which helps to convert noxious and polluting gases into low emissions carbon dioxide and water. Though the widespread use of catalytic converters has done a wonderful job in cutting down on air pollution, there are some cautions motorists must consider with this technology, a part which works quietly with your vehicle’s exhaust system. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about your car’s catalytic converter.

Nixon Administration Initiative

Known in the automotive parts industry as “catcon” or simply as “cat,” catalytic converters began to show up on passenger vehicles in 1975. The Nixon Administration, which founded the Environmental Protection Agency, was behind the Clean Air Act, legislation designed to manage the air pollution problem impacting our nation during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Since then, catcons have been added to trucks, buses, forklifts, and a host of other transportation vehicles.

As helpful as catalytic converters can be, problems with these devices can occur. other than possible failure, which typically goes unnoticed until your vehicle fails its next DMV inspection, the intense heat associated with this device can cause problems.

Specifically, if you tinker with your own vehicle, you must permit your car to cool down completely before working in the vicinity of the exhaust system. Catalytic converters can get as hot as 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, thus any burns sustained from touching a hot catcon can be extremely painful, possibly even lethal.

Potential Fire Hazard

Car owners have also discovered that a catalytic converter can be a fire hazard. Since 1975, fire department have found that many automotive fires have been started because a motorist parked a car over dry leaves. Even with the engine turned off a hot catcon can emit sparks which can ignite leaves underneath. Should that unfortunate event happen, your car could be devoured by flames within minutes and destroyed.

Additionally, there are dangers to the catalytic converter itself. The fact that the unit burns at such hot temperatures means that they can suffer rapid thermal deactivation. Some experts suggest switching to synthetic engine oil to help reduce phosphorous contaminants which are a known contributor to failure.

By law, you may not remove your catcon without risk of being subjected to legal action. Thieves love to steal catalytic converters which are easily removed from cars and can be resold for a few hundred dollars. Unfortunately, the resultant damage that may occur can be extensive including harm done to your electrical system or fuel line.

Keeping Air Clean

Overall, catalytic converters have benefited society tremendously by helping to keep our air clean. Like any part associated with your car, knowing its capabilities, cautions, and limitations is essential to keeping you and your passengers safe.

See Also — The Average Salary of Automotive Engineers