As business for ServNet Auctions has continued during the turmoil and made necessary adjustments because of the COVID pandemic, the group says its auctions have also carried on in their support of their communities.

That includes holding charity events that have raised thousands of dollars to assist people in need.

ServNet says that the pandemic caused ServNet group auctions to make adjustments so they could continue serving their customers in the business of buying and selling vehicles.

“Auctions navigating the ‘new normal’ have had to limit their in-person interactions with customers while offering digital events to an ever-increasing audience of buyers online,” ServNet wrote in a news release.

But ServNet president Bruce Beam said that the group’s independent owners honor the personal stake they have in their businesses. Their  success depends on real people, he said.

“I am proud to note that as ServNet auctions continue to serve their customers in these challenging times, they are also committed to serving and supporting their communities,” Beam said.

He continued, “In spite of the uncertainties, ServNet isn't stepping back, and is, in fact, giving back through charity events that are taking place at our auctions across the country."

One example of that is that Carolina and Indiana Auto Auctions hosted live charity events this past fall. Those events raised funds toward cancer research.

Indiana’s event featured guest speaker “Rudy” Ruettiger and raised funds for the Cancer Services of NE Indiana. Guests were hosted by Sweetwater Sound in Fort Wayne, Ind., a music hall that gifted the conference room. Ruth's Chris restaurant in Fort Wayne served a filet mignon dinner to attendees.

That was Indiana’s first charity event, and it plans a second one for September 2021. In its first year, Indiana Auto Auction raised $25,000 for the Cancer Services of NE Indiana.

Another charitable event took place in October as sister facility Carolina Auto Auction hosted its 3rd Annual Legacy Dinner & VIP Charity Auction event. The three-day event also included the auction’s 15th annual charity golf tournament and a Purple Ribbon Car Sale. The auction raised $150,000 for the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University for melanoma research.

On Oct. 12, Carolina’s event began with the Legacy Gala and VIP Charity Auction and included guest speaker Jase Robertson from Duck Dynasty. More than 90 live and silent auction items helped raise money. A duck call contest also raised funds, with Robertson judging the final round. The event took place at the Bleckley Station in downtown Anderson, S.C., and ServNet said the venue offered adequate space for several hundred people to enjoy the event and follow social distancing.

The 15th annual Tee Off Against Cancer Golf Tournament took place the following morning at Cobbs Glen Country Club in Anderson, S.C. The four-man Captain’s Choice tournament included a steak sandwich lunch for attendees. For participants in the golf's raffle for charity, Carolina had unique items available to win after the golf tournament. The auction offered cash prizes during the event, including four prize holes in addition to two hole-in-one contests in which players can attempt to win $25,000 in cash and a new car, along with $2,000 in cash prizes.

Carolina Auto Auction held a third charity raffle in conjunction with the tournament that ran several weeks leading up to the Oct. 14 giveaway during the Charity Car Sale. The car sale featured more than 1,000 units, and a portion of the buy/sell fee proceeds went toward the fundraising efforts.

Both locations already plan to host live charity events in 2021. Joe Theismann is the planned speaker at both locations.

Carolina and Indiana Auto Auctions are part of the  Stanley-Autenrieth Auction Group, and are members of ServNet.

In other news, Akron Auto Auction raised funds for breast cancer treatment. The auction and its dealers worked together during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month to fight against breast cancer.

Leading up to the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Sale, Akron Auto Auction sold Under Armour Hoodies with the AAA logo. The auction sold additional merchandise such as long sleeved T-shirts and pink mesh baseball hats to promote the cause. Pink Breast Cancer Awareness face masks were unique to this year’s campaign. The masks were passed out to donors to wear during the month.

Dealers also pledged a dollar amount per vehicle they bought or sold during the sale, donated a vehicle to run, or made a flat donation.

The Breast Cancer Awareness sale resulted in more than 1,100 vehicles ran and was one of Akron’s largest of the year. It resulted in a 72-percent selling percentage. The donation vehicle sale totaled $2,400 and included various in-lane prize giveaways.

During the month, $8,316 was raised to benefit Drive Hope and the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio.

“This event was a great refreshing thrust in the direction of positivity during these challenging times,” said Akron A/A human resources director Caysie Payne. “Our generous donors have given us all a little hope in a year that has been tough for so many. We thank everyone so much who contributed to such a great cause.”