When Andy Gabler of Lakeside Auto Sales in Erie, Pa., made the winning bid Wednesday at Caesars Palace, he did more than buy a car: Thanks to ADESA, AFC and IAA, he made a sizable contribution to the NIADA Foundation as well.

The vehicle up for bid – a loaded polar white 2013 Mercedes C250W – was donated by those three companies, all of which are members to the KAR Auction Services group, for a benefit auction in the Expo Hall during the 69th annual NIADA Convention and Expo.

Gabler, who serves as NIADA's Region I vice president, won a spirited bidding war with close friend Michael Mansour of the Car Connection in New Castle, Pa., with a bid of $27,500.

The Mercedes, which has an automatic package, leather, a glass sunroof, sport suspension and sport styling, including a rear-deck spoiler, will be shipped to Gabler's dealership free by ADESA/AFC/IAA.

All proceeds from the auction benefit the NIADA Foundation, which spearheads the association's commitment to charitable giving as well as awarding scholarships to deserving college-bound students across the United States and providing training and educational opportunities to automobile dealers and the general public.

Over the past three years, the ADESA/AFC/IAA-sponsored auctions at the NIADA Convention have raised a total of $69,700 for the NIADA Foundation. During last year's event, a 2011 BMW 328xi sold for $23,400.