On April 10, 2026, Petra Cares raised over $1 million at its 3rd Annual Fueling Futures Gala hosted at The Revaire in Houston. The dollars will go directly to providing ASE-certified automotive training, tools, scholarships, transportation and wraparound support for young adults transitioning out of foster care or facing homelessness. In roughly three years, Petra said it has helped more than 140 young people through the program.
“Every dollar raised moves us closer to changing lives by breaking the cycles of poverty, homelessness and instability. Together, we are building a better future for generations to come,” said Brian Meza, executive director at Petra Cares.
How Petra Cares Is Closing the Auto Technician Shortage Gap
Arnold Gacita, president of Petra Automotive Products, established Petra Cares to pair one of the country’s most underserved youth populations with one of its most in-demand skilled trades. The automotive industry faces a technician shortage projected to leave hundreds of thousands of positions unfilled in the coming decade. Petra Cares exists at that intersection, turning a workforce crisis into an opportunity for young people that the system too often leaves behind, the company said.
“I started Petra Cares because I believed the foster care system was failing young people at exactly the moment they needed the most support,” said Gacita. “What we have built is proof that when you remove the barriers and give someone a real skill and a real job, they do not just survive—they thrive. That is what every dollar raised at this gala makes possible.”
Through its seven-week intensive program, Petra Cares provides students with training and resources. Upon graduation, students are connected directly to automotive employers through Petra’s industry network, with job placement built into the program. Since 2023, young adults who have graduated from Petra Cares have been offered full-time careers at Christian Brothers Automotive, Reynold & Reynolds, Mac Haik Enterprises, Gullo Ford, Fred Hass Toyota Country, Northwest Hyundai, Derby and The Shop.
Gala Draws Community Leaders, Corporate Sponsors & Automotive Industry Partners
This year’s event drew community leaders, corporate sponsors and automotive industry partners, including Petra Automotive Products, Reynolds & Reynolds, Truist, Regions Bank, Mac Haik Enterprises, Entrepreneurial Operating System, Brazelton Automotive, ZT Corporate and others, who made this year’s fundraising possible, Petra Cares reported.
Petra Cares recognized Mac Haik Automotive Group and Regions Bank for their exceptional partnership and commitment to student success.
Mac Haik Automotive Group was honored for providing more than 15 Petra Cares graduates with jobs, long-term career opportunities and mentorship within the automotive industry. Regions Bank was recognized for its investment in financial empowerment, delivering financial literacy education that equips Petra Cares students with the tools to manage money, build credit and plan for independent futures.
Petra Cares Sets Sights on Expansion in LA
Since its founding, Petra Cares said it has grown from its Houston roots and is working on planting its flag in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to bring automotive career pathways to foster youth across the country.