The generosity of attendees and exhibitors at The ARA Show 2021, as well as others in the equipment and event rental community, resulted in donations totaling $140,000 for ARA Foundation programs.
This year, two brand-new ways to support the Foundation were presented: an Online Auction and a Virtual 5K.
The Online Auction — offered in lieu of a live event in 2021 due to the Las Vegas show’s altered schedule — ran from Oct. 14-25 and featured items appealing to all industry segments, including equipment, professional services, travel vouchers and more. Nearly $74,000 was raised at the conclusion of the auction.
The Virtual 5K — sponsored by FTG Equipment Solutions; John Deere; Point of Rental Software; and Sullair, A Hitachi Group Co. — was featured at the show on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Participants hit the trade show floor that day decked out in specially designed dri-fit race shirts, with a medal and gifts from sponsors in hand, ready to track their steps.
5K participants also were able to compete anytime, anywhere from Oct. 17-31. Near the 5K’s conclusion, more than 170 runners/walkers were taking part and between their entrance fees and sponsor contributions, more than $16,000 was raised.
An additional $50,000 was donated by attendees of The ARA Show when registering.
“On behalf of the ARA Foundation Board of Trustees, I want to thank our sponsors, auction donors, all who participated in the new Online Auction and 5K, and those who offered donations through their show registration,” says Marcy Wright, ARA Foundation executive director.
Wright also says the donations will have a far-reaching impact for the Foundation’s programs. “The ARA Foundation has more than $125,000 in scholarships planned for the 2022-2023 school year for students seeking a career in rental, five community impact projects scheduled across the country in 2022, professional education sessions that the Foundation will sponsor, and grants that will be offered for employee training and recovery from disasters like hurricanes, fires and floods. These collective donations will help make all that happen,” she says.
Visit ARArental.org/ARA-Foundation for more information on ARA Foundation programs.