FREDERICK, Md. -

In recognition of outstanding public service, the Kansas City Independent Auto Auction (KCIAA) has been named the National Auto Auction Association’s Western Chapter Auto Auction of the Year.

The auction was chosen for its fundraising and volunteer efforts to assist disadvantaged children and their families, the NAAA announced Monday. KCIAA was also a finalist in 2016, when NAAA first established the annual awards to recognize the charitable contributions auctions make throughout each year.

“As we celebrate National Auto Auction Week it’s my privilege to announce Kansas City Independent Auto Auction is our nominee for Auction of the Year,” NAAA Western chapter president Tim Bowers said in a news release. “While there were many strong candidates in the Western Chapter committed to inspirational charitable giving, KCIAA rose to the top with the depth of its support for a diversity of organizations that all serve disadvantaged children and their families. We congratulate KCI, its staff and customers for their commitment to community service.”

KCIAA is one of four finalists among NAAA’s Eastern, Midwest, Southern and Western chapters who are in the running for the top NAAA honor, the “Auto Auction of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Service.”

According to NAAA, the auction has raised over $1 million in donations in six years to help support four nearby nonprofits where the auction’s employees have volunteered their time.

The auction has supported Camp Quality Greater Kansas City; Jackson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused, neglected children); Family Promise of the Northland and Sheffield Place.

In addition to being featured in NAAA’s member publications, KCIAA 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.