ISRI2023 is hosting the Recycling Education & Research Foundation (RERF) annual Silent Auction. The proceeds from the event help the Foundation carry out its mission of funding projects that promote public awareness, education, research, and the advancement of the recycling industry.
We sat down with RERF’s new Executive Director, Emma Corning, to find out what the process looks like this year and what enticing items will be up for grabs.
What sets this year’s auction apart?
This year’s silent auction is unique in that we really focused on securing hand-made, original items from local artists, especially those that work with recycled materials. I also wanted to add more variety to the auction and tried to include items that would appeal to all different budgets, interests, and ages. We spoke with over 300 artists and small business owners from across the country – in fact, most of the items come from donors outside our industry, which is incredible!
I think attendees will find a lot of fun items in this year’s auction, and I hope that by utilizing the online platform, we can continue to reach more industry members and increase overall participation.
What are you most looking forward to?
Personally, I’m really looking forward to getting to meet some new people. I’m about a year into my role and work remotely, so this is a beautiful opportunity to get to know the industry better and talk about all the great work RERF is doing.
As for the auction I am most excited about this year’s items – there are so many great artists that donated their work!
What kinds of items can people look forward to?
People can expect to see lots of art, jewelry, travel packages, gift baskets, baby items, décor, and an incredibly rare PGA master’s Memorabilia item that is one of only 18 in the world. And, of course, we have some of the industry’s favorite auction items returning including the once-in-a-lifetime NASCAP Xfinity Experience which has been generously donated by our event sponsor SciAps.
What is the big-ticket item?
We have a few big-ticket “Premier Items” in this year’s auction. In addition to the NASCAR Package, and Limited-Edition master’s Memorabilia, there are several travel packages available including a golfing getaway and a trip to see Hamilton on Broadway.
We also have an exciting item that is being donated by Spectro Alloys Corp., a custom Gibson Les Paul classic 50’s electric guitar, hand-painted by an artist from Minnesota. It will be unveiled at the convention, and I can’t wait to check it out.
Where will it be held?
The 2023 RERF Silent Auction is a hybrid event, with all the bidding done online, through a mobile bidding app. The event will also be held in the pre-function concourse at the Music City Center during exhibit hall hours where attendees can stop by, register for the bidding app and many items in person.
Online bidding is open and closes at 2 p.m. CT. on April 20.
What is the process?
Text RERF2023 to 243725 or visit https://one.bidpal.net/rerf2023/welcome to register and start viewing items. Once registered, attendees can begin bidding and will receive notifications if they are outbid. All the checkout procedures will be handled through BidPal after the event is finished, and of course, we will be available to assist in that process. Due to travel, many of the items will be displayed by photo only so these items will be shipped directly to the winning bidder post-convention.
It’s open to anyone so feel free to share with friends, families, and co-workers from the recycling industry.
