The Direct Marketing Educational Foundation's Auction for Education raised $180,000 for its programs, including new scholarship donations totaling more than $100,000, according to Laurie Spar, DMEF vice president and general manager.
DMEF is an independent nonprofit based in New York. To bring direct and interactive marketing instruction to colleges, DMEF administers a range of programs yearly for professors and students.
The Auction for Education included a silent and a live auction featuring exclusive consumer items. It took place at DMEF's annual awards dinner, held during the October DMA Annual Conference in Orlando, FL.
DMEF board members challenged attendees at its awards dinner to match scholarship seed money in a first-of-its kind scholarship auction for the organization. About 17 companies contributed, led by AOL's donation of $25,000 and Experian's $20,000 contribution. The scholarships, totaling more than $100,000, were donated during the live auction.
“We're delighted that so many companies and individuals have stepped forward to generously support DMEF programs,” said Beth Smith, co-owner of Smith-Browning Direct and this year's Auction for Education chair. “The growth of direct marketing outpaces that of the overall U.S. economy. The DMEF addresses our need for talent that is highly trained and excited about joining our field upon graduation from college.”
