The National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) has launched a Scholastic Foundation offering scholarships to deserving students whose families are associated with the NAAA and its members. The scholarship program will be funded initially by association members and a silent auction at the group’s fall national conference.

A separate charitable corporation (501c3) has been established to operate the foundation. Officers include Tony Long, president and Steve McConnaughey, secretary/treasurer. Foundation trustees are five former NAAA presidents — Jimmy Compton, Ray Nicols, Kenny Osborn, Henry Stanley, and Don DeVries.

Eligible scholarship recipients are full-time employees of corporate offices and member auctions; their children and grandchildren who have completed high school or are high school seniors or full-time undergraduate students. Scholarship America Management Services will handle the selection process. Award considerations will include past academic performance and future potential, leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, statement of career and educational aspirations and goals, unusual personal or family circumstances, and an outside appraisal. Financial need will not be a factor. Only the first 200 applications received, postmarked February 1, 2005 or earlier, will be accepted.

Up to three awards will be granted per zone: one award of $2,000 for a vocational-technical or two-year student and two $4000 awards for four-year (or equivalent) students. Scholarship applications will be available through the NAAA office and on the organization’s Web-site after the NAAA National Convention in Nashville, September 29 – October 3.

NAAA is soliciting contributions from member auctions, associate members corporations, friends, and individuals. Currently, donations have ranged in value $50 to $7500. In addition, each four U.S. NAAA zones, Canada, and the independent committee have contributed from $3,000 to $25,001. The 22 independent Servnet auctions donated $1 for every car sold during a designated week in June.

To provide additional initial foundation funding, a silent auction will be held at the national convention. All auction proceeds will benefit the foundation. Auction items must be sent to Harrisonburg Auto Auction by August 1 for inclusion in the auction catalogue. Donations will be transported to the convention hall in Nashville by September 28. To contribute to the silent auction, contact event co-chairs Barbara or Jim Wheatley at Harrisonburg Auto Auction, 800-454-5991, or e-mail, jim.wheatley@cox.com or barbara.wheatley@cox.com.