To bring awareness and support to its cause and mission, PPG Refinishing invited the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) to be a part of their booth during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 2-5.
Because PPG believes in this non-profit organization that is dedicated to veterans' service, medical research and civil rights for people with disabilities, they invited PVA to SEMA 2016 in order to bring national exposure for its vehicle donation program "Wheels Helping Warriors."
Every year, people are anxious to see the theme for PPG's booth at SEMA because they know that the company is going to go over the top to make a lasting impression. They always have exciting new products to display, and some of the best automotive painters in the world are featured. You can always count on the fact that PPG will pump up the creativity of their booth for that "wow" factor. Last year, the theme was Mardi Gras, and this year it was “A Salute to Color,” with a patriotic World War II theme throughout the company's enormous booth.
As always, PPG also showcased an impressive lineup of cars, trucks and bikes with some big designers and painters on the list, including Charley Hutton’s Ridler award winner “Olds Cool;” Darryl Hollenbeck’s Ford, named America’s Most Beautiful Roadster; Ryan Korek’s merlot red International pickup dubbed “Eight-Dollar Corn;” Jerry Kjensrud’s Chevy, “Halo,” a Grand National Roadster Show award winner; Nathan Curry’s tribute motorcycle, making its show debut; and Joe Ballard’s multi-award-winning tribute custom bike.
In addition, PPG booth visitors were able to meet, get autographs, and listen to legendary paint icons talk about their PPG product preferences, including Charley Hutton from Charley Hutton’s Color; Bobby Alloway from Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop; Tom and Mitch Kelly from Kelly & Son Crazy Painters; Darryl Hollenbeck from Vintage Color Studio; Kenny Youngblood from Youngblood Art/Motorsport Gallery; Mark Worman and Will Scott from Graveyard Carz and Doug Dorr, aka "The Master of Pinstripes."
PVA is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1946 that has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of members – veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction, according to the organization's website.
Julia Walker, the Director of Corporate and Venture Philanthropy for PVA, was on-hand during the four days of SEMA and brought three members of the organization with her to spread the word about the organization and its mission.
"When PPG invited us to be a part of their booth at SEMA, it was unexpected and definitely a thrill," she said. "We brought three members of PVA to Las Vegas--Bill Lawson, Jason Reyes and Ryan Lindstrom--and it provided a great opportunity for them to see the show and gain some exposure for our organization. We wanted to use this forum to tell people about what we do and also about our Vehicle Donation Program. Everyone was telling us that the PPG booth at SEMA is always a big deal and people anticipate what theme they will come up with every year. The Americana theme for this year's booth was perfect for us and our mission, so the entire experience was outstanding."
In addition to sharing their stories with attendees who visited the PPG booth at SEMA, the PVA also asked for cash donations, Walker explained. "The people were so supportive that we ended up raising more than $3,500, which was exceptional. This money can go a long way toward helping our members and taking our mission further. Relationships like these can really benefit PVA in many ways now and in the future, so we're delighted to be associated with an amazing company like PPG."
Ed Attanasio