The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is raising money for Gary Noble, a collision repair technician who has been out of work for 15 weeks as he recovers from a major car crash.

Noble lives in Louisville and is employed at Louisville Collision Center. He provides his family’s only income.

CIF’s stated mission is to secure and distribute donations to individuals in the collision industry who have experienced significant losses due to natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Examples of their aid are during the Maui wildfires last August and Hurricane Ian in September.

According to an article from Fender Bender, his ankle was broken, ribs fractured, and a sternum ruptured.

As more people found out, however, they took steps to help out.

One employee has consistently donated their worked hours to Noble, and others followed suit, Fender Bender reports.

“This just really shows the true nature of the people you work with,” said Timmy Meredith, the shop’s production manager, in the article.

Meredith, along with fellow technician Derek Faulkner, who is also a podcaster and YouTuber, organized a raffle and fundraiser at a local restaurant.

Louisville Collision Managing Partner Steve Olsen posted on Facebook when sharing information about the fundraiser, “Gary is amazing and everyone who knows him loves him. He would do anything for anyone, so it’s our turn to help him.”

The goal was to raise $1,000, but more than $9,000 was collected, according to Fender Bender.

“They’re some good guys,” Noble told Fender Bender after the fundraiser. “They’ll do anything for you,” adding while laughing, “you never know what they’ll do for you.”

He is expected to make a full recovery and return to work on March 1.

CIF is calling on the entire collision repair industry to help us with a “challenge grant.” Since yesterday, CIF has been matching industry donations to Noble dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 through March 8. The check will be given to him shortly after to meet his immediate needs. Any donations made to Noble after that will still be given to him, CIF said in a press release.

Images

Featured image: Gary Noble using a walker to get around after a collision in November that left him severely injured. (Photo provided by CIF)

Gary Noble’s damaged Jeep Wrangler (Photo provided by CIF)