For a third consecutive year, ADESA Winnipeg has been named the National Auto Auction Association’s Eastern Chapter Auto Auction of the Year, in recognition of its staff's notable public service efforts.

NAAA announced Thursday that the auction was chosen for successfully organizing 25,000 people to raise $5.2 million in donations and its involvement in over 55 charitable activities.

“Determined to leave an even bigger philanthropic footprint on their community than last year, the auction staff embarked on a non-stop succession of fundraising events and volunteer activities, from celebrity races and golf tournaments to fashion shows galas and live auctions,” NAAA said in a news release.

ADESA Winnipeg is now one of four auctions in the running for the top NAAA honor, the Auto Auction of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Service.

Earlier this week, NAAA announced that Kansas City Independent Auto Auction, Manheim Darlington and ADESA Indianapolis of are this year's Western, Southern and Midwest chapter auctions of the year, respectively.

This year, ADESA Winnipeg served in a meaningful way when it hosted a live auction for about 1,000 people that raised $625,000 for The Dream Factory, an organization committed to funding the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. Meanwhile, soon after the fundraiser, the auction became aware of a 29-year-old single mother of two who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. So,  ADESA Winnipeg staff collected a total of $32,413 to help the woman plan her children’s future, according to NAAA.

“It is my great pleasure to announce ADESA Winnipeg as the Eastern Chapter’s candidate for Auto Auction of the Year during National Auto Auction Week because it’s evident community service ranks highly in the auction’s core values as this is its third consecutive year to be selected for this honor,” said NAAA Eastern Chapter president Steven DeLuca, in a news release. “Congratulations to ADESA Winnipeg’s team and community. Their passion to give back to those in need is inspirational.”

When it comes to supporting public service, each year, ADESA Winnipeg provides every employee with eight hours of paid leave so that they can have the time to give back to any cause of their choosing. NAAA said the time donated amounts to almost 2,000 volunteer hours each year.

Later this year, in addition to being featured in NAAA’s member publications, ADESA Winnipeg will receive $5,000 and an additional $20, 000 payable to a charity of the auction’s choice and be presented with a crystal trophy at NAAA’s annual convention in November.

The annual convention is held in partnership with the National Remarketing Conference — part of Used Car Week, which is scheduled for Nov. 12-16 at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.