Petra Cares Raises Over $1M to Support At-Risk Youth in Automotive Careers
Petra Cares, a Houston-based nonprofit, successfully raised over $1 million during its 3rd Annual 'Fueling Futures' Gala held on April 10, 2026. The funds are aimed at supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care or facing homelessness by providing ASE-certified automotive training, tools, scholarships, and wraparound support. The organization, founded by Arnold Gacita, addresses the challenges faced by young adults leaving the foster care system, where 80% face homelessness or incarceration within three years. Petra Cares has helped over 140 young people secure stable careers in the automotive industry since its inception. The gala highlighted the contributions of partners like Mac Haik Automotive Group and Regions Bank, which have been instrumental in providing job opportunities and financial literacy education to the program's graduates. 
