Auto Care Connect: Dr. John Passante wins AACF Humanitarian of the Year Award

May 15, 2025

Passante becomes the first-ever winner of this new award from the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.

68257c7e94f247cf90f3be75 May14 News1aacf

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation announced a new award during a stage presentation on Wednesday at Auto Care Connect in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Humanitarian of the Year Award, sponsored by Nexus North America, recognizes individuals, companies, associations, or groups in the industry who go above and beyond to improve lives and help people in need in the industry. Recipients of the award engage in meaningful efforts to uplift communities, companies, and individuals, as well as exhibiting compassion, selflessness, and social responsibility, among other attributes. Nominations were accepted from May 2024 through February 2025.

“This should be the biggest and most celebrated award that our industry doles out every year," said Jon Owens, president of the AACF board of trustees.

Of the 17 nominations submitted for the honor, seven were for its eventual winner: Dr. John Passante.

“Had you read every nomination we had, you’d be in tears. I know I was,” Owens said.

About the Author

Chris Jones | Editorial Director

Chris Jones is Group Editorial Director for the Vehicle Repair Group at Endeavor Business Media. He’s a multiple-award-winning editor and journalist and a certified project manager now providing editorial leadership and brand strategy for the auto care industry's most trusted automotive repair publications—Ratchet+Wrench, Modern Tire Dealer, National Oil & Lube News, FenderBender, ABRN, Professional Distributor, PTEN, Motor Age, and Aftermarket Business World.