January 2, 2024
Each year, the ARA Foundation Charity Auction and Reception gives The ARA Show™ attendees and exhibitors a chance to give back and support the equipment and event rental industry while also participating in a fun networking event.
The ARA Foundation is the heart of the equipment and event rental industry. Its programs include educational scholarships, employee training assistance, disaster relief, improvement projects that give back to our communities while raising the profile of rental and mentoring relationships within the industry.
This year, the ARA Foundation Charity Auction and Reception — sponsored by Ditch Witch, Mi-T-M Corp., Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (America), SANY America and Trime US — will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the La Nouvelle Ballroom, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, in New Orleans.
The live charity auction, facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (America), will feature items from more than 30 donors. Items up for bid include tickets to sporting events like Formula One racing and NBA basketball; a $5,000 vacation voucher that can be used for any trip; a “dream garage” workspace; premium wines and bourbons; and a ReMarkable2 tablet package. A variety of equipment applicable to all industry segments will also be up for bid, and the Foundation has highlighted a hybrid energy system valued at $140,000 as the premier item.
Allied Financial Solutions, a show exhibitor, is offering six-months-same-as-cash financing on any auction item purchase.
While the event is free for show attendees, a bid number is required to participate in the auction and reception. Participants can acquire a bid number at registration on site at the show, at the Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (America) Booth No. 2731, at the ARA Foundation Booth No. 2832 or at the auction.
The 2023 ARA Foundation Charity Auction raised more than $82,000 to support foundation programs. The Foundation’s goal is to exceed $250,000 at this year’s event; show attendees are encouraged to take part and help raise funds to support Foundation programs. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be reinvested back into the ARA Foundation — a public, charitable, 501(c)3 organization.
For more information on the ARA Foundation and its programs — including the scholarship program, which is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year — visit thearafoundation.org.
