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 mentor/mentee relationships within the industry.
This year, the ARA Foundation Charity Auction and Reception — sponsored by Mi-T-M Corp. — will be held Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center North/South Building – SA1 by the event segment exit in Orlando.
The live charity auction, facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (America), will feature items donated by 26 show exhibitors. Items that will be up for bid include a trip to Walt Disney World; a $5,000 vacation voucher that can be used for any trip; a high-end, Wi-Fi capable pellet grill; premium wine packages; and a Microsoft Surface Go 3 laptop. A variety of equipment applicable to all industry segments also will be up for bid.
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. 2046, at the ARA Foundation Booth No. 3718, or at the auction.
One hundred percent of the proceeds will be reinvested back into the ARA Foundation — a public, charitable, 501(c)3 organization. The previous ARA Foundation Charity Auction — held at the 2020 show prior to the pandemic — raised more than $100,000 to support foundation programs.
For more information on the ARA Foundation and its programs — including the scholarship program, which is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year — visit ARArental.org/ara-foundation.