IWF auction supports developing the next generation of woodworkers

Early bidding is open for an online silent auction benefiting the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America. The auction will culminate with a live showing and final bidding of the lot items at the International Woodworking Fair.

Net proceeds of each winning bid will help support WCA programs geared to develop and grow a skilled woodworking workforce in the United States and Canada.

The digital auction will feature dozens of bid items spanning autographed collectables, framed sports and entertainment memorabilia, fun-filled travel packages, jewelry, and much more. Among the auction items that will be displayed at IWF booth C2123 include:

· Tom Brady signed Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet

· Patrick Mahomes signed Kansas City Chiefs helmet

· Mick Jagger signed guitar

· Tuscany (Italy) Luxury 7-Night Stay for two

· Mykonos (Greece) Escape 5-Night Villa Stay for four

The special fund-raising event to support the not-for-profit WCA is being presented through the collaboration of Expo Auctions of Sugar Hill, Ga., and IWF, North America’s largest industrial woodworking event. The show is owned by the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America and the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association.

The WCA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing and growing a skilled woodworking workforce in the United States and Canada. The WCA works with high school and postsecondary woodworking programs, as well as the woodworking industry. The backbone of WCA programming is its Skill Standards and Passport credentialling program.

“It’s the generous support of tradeshows like IWF and our industry sponsors that have helped WCA continue to develop new programs to better serve educational institutions and the industry to train the next generation of skilled woodworkers,” said WCA president Scott Nelson. “Our ultimate goal is to highlight the industry’s advances and best practices to get people interested in woodworking, while also offering them a professional career path.”

Separate silent auctions will take place on each of first three days of IWF, Tuesday, Aug. 23 through Thursday, Aug. 25. Show attendees and exhibitors will be able to view most of the auction items displayed on tables located at booth C2123 of Building C of the Georgia World Congress Center. In addition, auction items are now available for preview and early bidding online.

For more, visit woodworkcareer.org.