Automotive Trust Raised $1.7 Million for Training
The nonprofit will direct funds toward apprenticeships and career paths in the automotive preservation sector.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
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America's Automotive Trust raised more than $1.7 million during its 14th annual Wheels & Heels Gala in Tacoma. The proceeds are designated to support educational programs and career development initiatives within the automotive industry.
Why it matters
By funding apprenticeships and specialized educational programming, the trust aims to preserve critical automotive skills that are increasingly scarce in the modern labor market. These resources support the long-term sustainability of the sector's craftsmanship and restoration workforce.
The 14th annual Wheels & Heels Gala generated over $1.7 million to fund industry-wide educational initiatives. The organization also recognized five individuals with 2026 Trust Awards for their contributions to automotive design, collecting, and preservation.
The players
America's Automotive Trust
A nonprofit organization that manages automotive museums and foundations to preserve industry history and foster skilled trade education.
RPM Foundation
An affiliate of the trust focused on securing the future of the automotive restoration trade through student scholarships and apprenticeship support.
LeMay - America's Car Museum
An automotive museum based in Tacoma that serves as a hub for public exhibitions and industry-focused educational programming.
The details
The funds will flow into initiatives managed by the trust and its affiliates, specifically LeMay - America's Car Museum and the RPM Foundation. These programs facilitate hands-on learning, student experiences, and apprenticeships designed to bridge the gap between historical automotive preservation and modern career pathways.
Timeline
The 14th annual Wheels & Heels Gala occurred in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This fundraising event reinforces the role of private nonprofits in supporting the RPM Foundation's automotive apprenticeship network. It follows an industry trend where organizations prioritize formalizing preservation training to combat the loss of specialized mechanical skills.
Operators in the automotive restoration and service sectors should monitor the trust's upcoming apprentice placement windows to identify new talent pipelines. Maintaining awareness of these funded career pathways provides a low-cost method for firms to source specialized skilled labor.
The takeaway
Securing long-term industry viability requires active investment in the specialized craftsmanship that defines the automotive trade. Business owners should review the 2026 Trust Awards honorees to identify industry leaders who are actively shaping current standards for automotive preservation.
Further reading
For more on how local businesses engage with the nonprofit sector, see our coverage in Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Auto Service World.
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Should your community prioritize funding for specialized vocational training programs in traditional industries?
