America’s Automotive Trust raises $1.7 million for preservation and workforce programs

America’s Automotive Trust raised more than US$1.7 million during its 14th annual Wheels & Heels Gala weekend in Tacoma, Wash., with proceeds supporting automotive preservation, education and workforce development initiatives.

According to the organization, the funds will help support educational programming, exhibitions, student experiences, apprenticeships and automotive career pathways through programs operated by the trust and its affiliated organizations, including LeMay – America’s Car Museum and the RPM Foundation.

The event also included presentation of the 2026 Trust Awards, recognizing contributions to automotive design, craftsmanship, collecting and preservation. Honourees included Moray Callum, Rod Emory, William Lyon, James Schmidt and Dale Wickell.

“Car culture does not preserve itself. It continues because people choose to carry it forward,” said Michael Towers, Wheels & Heels Gala chairman.

The trust said the funding will help expand hands-on educational opportunities, preserve specialized automotive skills and support apprenticeships designed to introduce future generations to careers in the automotive industry.