The National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) has announced the creation of the National Auto Auction Association Scholastic Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation"). The Foundation is presently in the process of applying for tax-exempt status as a charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation’s purpose will be to provide educational scholarships.

“A scholarship taskforce has been appointed to develop ongoing Foundation structure, the funding of scholarships, and the criteria for awarding scholarships. Our first objective is to raise as much money as possible so that the fund becomes self-supporting for future scholarship awards," explained Jim and Barbara Wheatley of Harrisonburg Auto Auction, who will serve as co-chairs of the silent auction.

“We want to kick this off with silent and live auctions at the NAAA Convention this year in Nashville, Tennessee, September 29 - October 3, 2004,” they continued. “In order to make this a reality, we need help from all NAAA member auctions, corporate offices, group headquarters, associate members and convention exhibitors.”

The silent auction will be held in the exhibition hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, while the live auction will be held at three major events.

The scholarship taskforce is asking participants to contribute art, jewelry, celebrity and political memorabilia, home and garden items, clothing, tickets to entertainment and sporting events, and hotel, resort, and travel packages.

Donated items should be sent to Harrisonburg Auto Auction by August 1, 2004, where they will be inventoried and categorized. A silent and live auction catalog will be compiled and printed. Paperwork and display boards for each item will be completed prior to the convention. Items will be transported to the convention hall in Nashville by September 28, 2004.

In addition to donating items, the Wheatleys are reminding Convention attendees to bring their cash, checks, and VISA or MasterCard.

If you have any questions regarding any aspect of this first-time event or wish to donate an item, please contact Jim & Barbara Wheatley at the Harrisonburg Auto Auction, P.O. Box 1086 (Mail), 3560 Early Road (Physical, Harrisonburg, VA 22801; telephone: (800) 454-5991; e-mail: jim.wheatley@cox.com or barbara.wheatley@cox.com.