TechForce Foundation Honors Technicians at Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance Opening Gala

TechForce Foundation Honors Technicians at Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance Opening Gala

At historic inaugural event, TechForce highlights important role technicians play in classic car restoration;
Receives financial support for scholarships and technician training programs through gala fundraiser

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — October 25, 2019 —TechForce was honored to be the charity beneficiary of the inaugural Las Vegas Concours d’ Elegance Gala on October 25th. It was a spectacular evening representing some of the most significant car collectors, judges, and our esteemed sponsors, including Shell, Pennzoil and UTI.

Jennifer Maher at the Concours d'Elegance Las Vegas 2019
TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher addresses the audience at the inaugural Las Vegas Concours dElegance Opening Night Gala, October 25th, 2019.

The evening celebrated technicians highlighted by Christ Morillon, who spoke about her educational journey and career as a technician. It also featured high school students from Southeast Career Technical Academy (SECTA) along with technicians from area dealerships including Gaudin Porsche, Findlay Cadillac, and Mercedes Benz of Henderson.

UTI Graduate and Tesla Service Technician Crist Morillon addresses Gala Attendees. TechForce Foundation was honored to turn the spotlight to local technicians, to recognize their accomplishments.

 

Cassini family pose with artist, painting, and technician students from the highschool benefitting from the painting’s sale. Top row from left to right: Jennifer Maher (CEO, TechForce Foundation), Joe Cassini, Margie Cassini, Caroline Cassini, Kevin Paige, Scott Berger (Instructor, SECTA). Bottom row from left to right: Students in SECTA’s Transportation Technology program

The big surprise of the evening was the auction of a live painting by automotive artist Kevin Paige, a 1938 Phantom Corsair at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. The art purchased by Joseph Cassini, III, his wife Margie, and their daughter Caroline, who share interests in the automobile hobby. The Cassini’s have attended numerous Concours d’Elegance events, in the U.S. as well as Europe. The Cassini’s have had the fortune of having their cars judged as some of the best in the world, including winning Best of Show twice at the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

 

Monies raised through the auction will benefit future scholarships and support the garage makeover of SECTA, the oldest automotive tech high school in Nevada.