On the heels of naming the Kansas City Independent Auto Auction its Western Chapter Auto Auction of the Year on Monday, the National Auto Auction Association continueed National Auto Auction Week celebrations on Tuesday, announcing that this year’s Southern chapter winner is Manheim Darlington.

Along with its fundraising success and volunteer efforts, the association said that Manheim Darlington was also chosen for the steps that the auction's staff takes to serve its local South Carolina community each month.

“I am honored to make this announcement as part of National Auto Auction Week that Manheim Darlington is our selection for NAAA’s Auto Auction of the Year,” NAAA Southern chapter president Jerry Barker said in a news release.

“Our panel of five judges was excited by the community involvement of our nominees and amazed by the money raised for so many wonderful charities, but it was obvious that as general manager Danny Brawn says, Manheim Darlington is an auction in Small Town USA with employees who have big hearts. Congratulations to them and to all the auctions that support their communities — keep up the good work.”

Manheim Darlington is one of four finalists — joined by NAAA’s Eastern, Midwest 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.”

This year, NAAA said that Manheim Darlington has gone beyond just hosting the regular blood drives it holds throughout the year.  According to NAAA, the auction has already collected over 20 pints of blood and raised $10,000 for the American Red Cross as part of its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Sale.

On top of that, Manheim Darlington has also hosted monthly lunches for teachers, a school supply drive and a “Drive Away for Hunger” fundraiser that raised more than $2,500 and 89 pounds of food.

According to NAAA, Manheim Darlington employees who are on a committee come together each month to plan fundraising activities and initiatives that support local charities and schools.

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

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.