NORTHBROOK, IL — Donlen Corporation, in partnership with 16 auto auctions nationwide, on April 20 presented a check for $60,000 to the One Step At A Time program, a summer camp experience for children with cancer and leukemia conducted by the Children's Oncology Services of Illinois, Inc., a not-for-profit charitable organization.

The amount more than doubled last year's contribution, thanks in large part to the unique participation of auctions no matter their affiliation. "This is really the first time all the major auction companies have come together to support one cause," according to Layne Weber, Donlen vice president of remarketing services. "Auctions from around the country were very creative in helping to raise funds for such a worthy charity."

The One Step At A Time program is a unique, supportive environment for children who have been diagnosed with leukemia or some other form of cancer. Their lives are changed forever, and attending the One Step At A Time camp enables them to spend two weeks with other kids who are facing similar challenges. Not only are they made comfortable as they participate in camp activities, they are able to communicate with others who really understand what they are going through, all under the watchful guidance of an all-volunteer medical, counseling and administrative staff.

Through the month of March, participating auctions sold sports memorabilia, donated merchandise and other items in conjunction with Donlen vehicles to raise funds for the program. Donations given directly by some dealers supplemented the moneys raised. Representatives from the program joined Donlen and auction management at Donlen's Northbrook, Ill., headquarters on April 19 to receive a check for the total contribution.

For the second year in a row, TPC Management Company helped Donlen to coordinate the effort, working with the independent auctions, ADESA, Manheim, and CoPart to raise funds.

Participating auctions included ADESA Atlanta, ADESA Kansas City, ADESA Los Angeles, ADESA Sacramento, ADESA Tampa, and ADESA Wisconsin Auto Auctions; Brasher's Salt Lake and Brasher's Cascade Auto Auctions; and Manheim’s Colorado, Dallas-Fort Worth, Indiana, Mountain State, PADE, Greater Phoenix, Statesville, and Texas Hobby Auto Auctions.