America’s Automotive Trust Raised $1.7 Million
The nonprofit secured funds for automotive education during its annual gala in Tacoma.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
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America’s Automotive Trust raised over $1.7 million during its 14th annual Wheels & Heels Gala held in Tacoma, Washington. The proceeds will bolster educational programming and apprenticeship pathways for the automotive industry.
Why it matters
The funds support critical initiatives for the trust and its affiliates, such as LeMay - America's Car Museum and the RPM Foundation. This investment aims to preserve specialized automotive skills and expand hands-on training for future generations.
America’s Automotive Trust raised $1.7 million during the 14th annual Wheels & Heels Gala. This funding effort recognized five individual honorees with 2026 Trust Awards for their work in design and preservation.
The players
America's Automotive Trust
This organization operates initiatives including LeMay - America's Car Museum and the RPM Foundation to support automotive education.
Moray Callum
He is an honoree recognized for his contributions to the automotive field.
Rod Emory
He is a 2026 Trust Award recipient honored for his dedication to automotive craftsmanship and design.
William Lyon
He was recognized as an honoree for his significant work in automotive collecting and preservation.
Dale Wickell
He is one of the five individuals presented with a 2026 Trust Award.
The details
The event brought together leaders in the field to celebrate achievements in automotive design, craftsmanship, and collection. These resources will directly facilitate new student experiences and career pathway development within the industry.
Timeline
The 14th annual Wheels & Heels Gala was held in 2026.
Market Landscape
This philanthropic investment mirrors the structure of the National Apprenticeship Act by creating private funding channels for niche vocational development. It positions the trust as a critical link in the industry's pipeline for skilled technical labor.
Residents in Tacoma will benefit from expanded exhibitions and public educational programming hosted by local affiliates. These initiatives provide the community with greater access to hands-on automotive experiences and career development resources.
The takeaway
Supporting nonprofit automotive trusts helps ensure that traditional craftsmanship and specialized design skills are not lost to history. Readers interested in the field can look to support local museum workshops or student apprenticeship programs in their area.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in Philanthropy to support educational initiatives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Auto Service World.
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