Scholarship applications will open in January, and the inaugural Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in 2023
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—As the collision industry mourned the passing of Jeff Silver, who was instrumental creating both I-CAR and the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), his family said they immediately recognized an ideal way to honor his memory and continue his long-lasting legacy on the industry he loved by creating the “Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship.”
“Jeff was passionate about helping collision school programs and their students, which is why he had an active role in establishing the Collision Repair Education Foundation back in 1991,” said Jeanne Silver, his wife of 36 years. “This memorial scholarship will allow his vision to carry on in supporting these students. Thank you in advance for considering helping honor Jeff’s legacy by supporting this scholarship!”
Born in 1942, Silver passed away on Sept. 23, shortly after his 80th birthday. He became involved with I-CAR at its founding, and beginning in 1986, he served as executive vice president for 11 years where he helped establish I-CAR’s Gold Class program. During his tenure with I-CAR, Silver’s concern with the lack of workers entering the skilled trades led to the establishing of CREF in 1991 in an effort to attract young people to the collision repair industry and to support the training institutions providing their educations.
Following his departure from I-CAR in 1996, the Silvers partnered as owners and operators of Butterfield Bodyworks CARSTAR, Mundelein, Ill., until their retirement in 2021. During their 25 years in business, the couple remained engaged with the industry and its future.
Anyone considering a year-end, tax-deductible charitable gift is invited to consider contributing to his memorial scholarship fund. Visit CREF’s online donation page, and select the “Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship” designation for a donation. Scholarship applications will open in January, and the inaugural Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in 2023.
Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can contact us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.
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