The American Concrete Pipe Association announced today that more than $140,000 was raised at its annual fundraising auction benefitting the ACPA Research & Education Foundation. The auction was held during the association’s annual meeting held in Amelia Island, Fla.

Thirty organizations from both within and outside the industry donated items to the auction, while dozens of bidders enjoyed a friendly rivalry competing for the work-related items and other articles of value. Several associate members contributed high-value items prized by the bidders, including loads of cement. Equipment, entertainment and vacation donations were likewise sold off to the winning bidders by the expert auctioneer, Adam Hochfelder.

This year, the ACPA launched a pre-bid web site prior to the annual meeting that allowed advanced bids by members and associates, many of whom locked down their choices by using the “Buy-It-Now” option.

The record haul of $140,906 will enable the ACPA Research & Education Foundation to continue its mission of supporting the long-term competitiveness of the precast concrete pipe and box culvert industry in the United States, including the thousands of men and women employed in and supported by the industry.

“The funds raised at this year’s auction will allow the Foundation to conduct important structural and materials research that will ensure that concrete pipe remains the product of choice used in America’s vast network of sewers and culverts,” said Matt Childs, president of the ACPA. “We will also use the funds to educate the engineering community on the many advantages of using the most durable and resilient drainage pipe on the market.”

The next Foundation auction is schedule for the 2016 ACPA Annual Convention scheduled for March 20-23 in Tucson, Ariz.

About the ACPA

Established in 1907, the American Concrete Pipe Association serves as the voice of the concrete pipe industry. The ACPA is a nonprofit organization comprised of manufacturers of concrete pipe and box culverts, manufacturers of equipment and providers of products and services related to the concrete pipe industry. Member companies are located throughout the United States, Canada and more than 40 foreign countries. The Association provides its members with a wide range of research, technical and marketing support to promote and advance the use of concrete pipe for drainage and pollution control applications. For more information, visit concrete-pipe.org.