APH Raises $513K for WACOSA
Attendees of APH's 2026 WACOSA Fundraiser
Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH), together with its supplier partners and the Bartlett family, raised $513,000 through its annual fundraiser benefiting WACOSA, a central Minnesota nonprofit serving adults with disabilities. The 2026 event brings the fundraiser’s 14-year total to $3.7 million.
Proceeds support WACOSA programs that provide meaningful employment, day services and opportunities for more than 650 adults with disabilities across central Minnesota.
The event began with a walleye shore lunch and guided tours of WACOSA before attendees gathered at APH’s newest facility (a bulk storage warehouse) in St. Cloud for a pie and ice cream social celebrating its grand opening and APH’s “Building Our Future Together” initiative.
Attendees also participated in a hands-on art experience led by WACOSA artist-inresidence Dan Mondloch. The individual pieces created during the event will be incorporated into a collaborative collage inspired by the northern lights above a Minnesota lake.
“The day captured so much of what makes this event special,” said Jason Vogel, president of APH Stores Inc. “Bringing our supplier partners, employees and friends together to experience WACOSA’s mission firsthand, celebrate a new chapter for APH and create something together was incredibly rewarding.”
The day concluded with a cocktail reception, lobster-themed dinner and awards ceremony hosted by John and Nancy Bartlett at their home. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a $513,000 check to Nancy Betts, executive director of WACOSA.
“Fourteen years of support from APH, its supplier partners and the Bartlett family has created a remarkable legacy for the people we serve,” Betts said. “This generosity creates opportunities for people to discover their strengths, contribute to their communities and pursue greater independence. We are deeply grateful for the lasting difference this partnership makes.”
Corey Bartlett, CEO and owner of APH, said the event reflects the generosity and commitment of the automotive aftermarket community.
“Every year, this event reminds us of the extraordinary generosity within the automotive aftermarket,” Bartlett said. “What began as a fundraiser has grown into a lasting partnership between APH, our supplier community and WACOSA. Seeing everyone come together to support the people and mission at the heart of WACOSA is what makes this event so meaningful.”
The annual fundraiser is made possible through the leadership of a dedicated planning committee, including Jay Knopick of N.A. Williams, Mark Hoffman of East Penn Manufacturing, John Oster of Tall Sales and Kyle Shroyer of NorthPro Representatives.
To view highlights from this year’s event, including the celebration, collaborative art project and messages from industry leaders, visit https://vimeo.com/autopartshq/wacosa26.