Bennett Automotive Foundation
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to make the world of antique/classic cars accessible to all by fostering a diverse and inclusive community that celebrates automotive heritage and inspires future generations. We hope to preserve the legacy of these cars by fostering a new generation of enthusiasts, educators, and skilled restoration professionals through accessible and engaging educational programs. We will strive to remove barriers to educational success for those seeking careers in the automotive restoration field through scholarships for students to alleviate the financial burden of student loans.
In Memory of Bennett Fletcher Roaf:
Sometimes memories are all that we have of our loved ones. Leaning into those beautiful remembrances, Parker and Sheri Roaf established the Bennett Automotive Foundation, Inc. in memory of their son Bennett Fletcher Roaf. Benny came out of the womb with a love for cars, much like his father. In his short life, he spent hours in the shop watching Daddy working on Packards and showing a genuine interest in all things mechanical. As a toddler, he figured out that keys make the car turn on and he would frequently swipe keys from the office and try to take the cars out for a spin. He loved nothing better than to sit in the driver's seat and pretend like he was cruising. He didn't discriminate between toy cars or full blown Packards, as long as it had wheels and could move, he was interested. His passion for the hobby at such a young age was endearing. He would have been the perfect future Packard enthusiast.
Bennett Automotive Foundation (BAF):
Our first goal at the Bennett Automotive Foundation is to provide a $25,000 needs based endowment scholarship for the McPherson College of Automotive Restoration. Our desire is to help students in the Automotive Restoration program to graduate with as little debt as possible.
We also hope to provide access and education to the younger generation in the form of 'cool old cars.' The antique car hobby, once dominated by a specific demographic, is undergoing some interesting changes. Traditionally, the focus was on pre-war and early post-war vehicles (think 1930s and 1950s). These cars were seen as rolling works of art, with restoration to original condition being the ultimate goal. This market was largely driven by the Baby Boomer generation, who often had a nostalgic connection to these classic cars from their youth. However, the hobby is shifting gears as Boomers age. Millennials and Gen Z have many different tastes, including muscle cars from the 60's and 70's, restomods and even electric car conversion.
The future of the antique car hobby likely lies in its ability to adapt. The BAF will help to foster that adaptation through participation in community events, hands-on education and organic encounters with these classic vehicles. One cannot appreciate what one is not exposed to. It's time for these cars to regain the respect that they once had from a newer generation.
Bennett Automotive Foundation is a registered 501c3 in the state of Massachusetts 99-3314848.