In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) will host its 2020 Annual Charitable Auction online in multiple phases.
EREF's Auction, held each year at WasteExpo, accounts for a large portion of the Foundation's annual revenue. Given WasteExpo's virtual transition and ongoing uncertainties related to COVID-19, the EREF Board of Directors determined that the best way to minimize risk to the Foundation's financial health would be to keep the event in the first half of 2020, which resulted in hosting the event virtually.
"The waste industry is an essential service during these difficult times; therefore, solid waste science remains essential. While we enjoy having the Auction at WasteExpo, I want to ensure that the Foundation is positioned to continue its mission, funding the research that still effects our everyday operations and lives," said Pat Carroll, President of Environmental Solutions Group and EREF Board Chairman. "I encourage those who are able to contribute to the Auction, or EREF itself, to do so."
When bidding opens, auction items will be available for bid online through the Ritchie Bros. online bidding platform, IronPlanet.
EREF's Silent Auction, which has been held online since 2016, will once again take place online, featuring finds such as iPads and autographed images.
New this year - in an effort to provide additional relationship-building opportunities, EREF has added a new element called the Super Silent Auction. This will consist of outings with key industry executives (e.g. procurement managers). The Super Silent Auction will take place during EREF's Fall Classic & Networking Event from September 30th - October 1st in Pinehurst, NC.
"This was a difficult decision for the Foundation to make. Each year, we enjoy bringing together various facets of the waste industry into our WasteExpo booth to network and support solid waste science," said Bryan Staley, EREF CEO and President. "However, EREF fully understands that safety and health are of the utmost importance in these unprecedented times. Hosting the elements of the charitable auction online will provide donors and bidders the opportunity to still support EREF. We hope to be back together again at WasteExpo in 2021."
