By Juliet Guerra, NADA Director of Media Relations 

At this year’s first-ever virtual NADA Show, ADESA hosted their annual charity auction to benefit the NADA Foundation to support Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). The virtual auction, which took place on Feb. 10, raised $40,000 for the NADA Foundation and CCI. 

“KAR and ADESA are truly honored to support the NADA Foundation and the incredible dogs, trainers and staff at Canine Companions for Independence,” said John Hammer, president of ADESA and chief commercial officer of KAR Global. “Our 10-year partnership has raised more than $626,000 to help veterans and people with disabilities live with more confidence, independence and joy. And while we certainly missed seeing our dealers and long-time charity auction supporters in-person, we were thrilled with the excitement, engagement and results of this first-ever digital event.” 

Jeff Carlson of Glenwood Springs Ford Subaru in Glenwood Springs, CO, placed the winning bid of $15,000 for the 2021 Kawasaki TERYX 4-passenger ATV and generously donated another $10,000, for a total of $25,000. 

Joe Verde of Joe Verde Sales and Management Training, Inc. donated his bid of $10,000, and Annette Sykora, partner at Smith South Plains Levelland in Levelland, FL, contributed an additional $5,000, bringing the total amount raised to $40,000. 

This was the 10th straight year that ADESA has held an auction at the NADA Show, which has raised more than $620,000 for CCI to date. 

“Finding ways to assist others is a hallmark of the automotive industry. We commend ADESA for its longtime commitment to hold a charity auction at the NADA Show, even in this virtual environment,” said Annette Sykora, chairwoman of the NADA Foundation and NADA 2008 chairwoman. “The Canine Companions cause was dear to the late Bob Mallon, who founded the NADA Foundation in 1975, and the late Frank McCarthy, who served as NADA’s chief executive from 1968 to 2001.”  

For more information on the NADA Foundation, click here. For more information on Canine Companions for Independence, click here.