BY KATIE PACHECO — kpacheco@aws.org SOCIETY NEWS ‘Tis the Season: AWS Staff Unite to Raise Money for Scholarships October in Miami signals more than just the approach of cooler weather and trick-or-treaters; it also heralds the annual AWS staff scholarship fundraising campaign and luncheon. The campaign is spearheaded by the AWS Foundation — the society’s charitable arm, which works to ensure the continued growth of the welding industry through the funding of research and educational opportunities. Each year, AWS Foundation provides staff members with the opportunity to display their unwavering support of welders around the world by donating to one, or several, scholarship funds, including the Foundation’s general endowment, Carol J. DeLaurier Memorial Scholarship, Robert O’Brien Memorial Scholarship, and Scholarship Wall funds. These scholarships help students with their financial obligations by covering a variety of school expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, and other supplies. According to Vicki Pinsky, associate director of scholarships, about 115 staff members attended the campaign luncheon on Oct. 25, raising close to $17,000. Over the past few years, the average amount raised by staff members has been about $14,700. However, staff contributions have steadily increased over the last five years. This year was especially momentous. “Our previous record in 2016 was $16,100, thus we had a 6% increase,” stated Sam Gentry, executive director of the AWS Foundation. The money raised by staff members helps jumpstart the Foundation’s fundraising year, which on average gives away $650,000 yearly to students and industry professionals pursuing aspirations in welding. AWS Staff Shows Strength in Numbers Staff contributions, although measured in cents and dollars, are worth more than their weight in gold. According to Gentry, these contributions send a clear message to the industry from AWS employees. They not only support the activities and initiatives of the Foundation; they also care about those would-be welders who require financial assistance to reach their full potential. As such, with their donations, staff members demonstrate they are unanimously committed to the Society, the industry, and the enhancement of welding education. Gentry also stated that the dedicated support showcased by employee contributions helps the Foundation secure funds from outside donors (individuals and corporations). Outside donors are often more likely to contribute when employees demonstrate their unequivocal endorsement of the campaign through donations. In fact, donors often inquire about the amount given by employees prior to adding to the pot, and some donors will only contribute if employees have done so as well. The Foundation helps ensure that hundreds of would-be welders get the opportunity to go to school and develop skills that are critical to the industry. This, in turn, can help to close the very real and ever-growing skills gap that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the manufacturing indusry. If you would like to learn more or donate to the AWS Foundation, visit aws.org/foundation. Sam Gentry, executive director of the AWS Foundation, and Vicki Pinsky, associate director of scholarships, serve food and smiles at the Foundation’s fundraising staff campaign luncheon on Oct. 25 at AWS World Headquarters, Miami, Fla. DECEMBER 2016 / WELDING JOURNAL 55 AWS staff raises close to $17,000 for the AWS Foundation WJ
Welding Journal | December 2016
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