This past spring, we highlighted Manheim Auto Auction as they had their Annual Xtreme Spring Sale event and chose our organization to be the recipient of funds raised that evening. It was a night that our Administrative Team will never forget!
For this week’s blog, we have decided to highlight this business again as they have continued to support Aaron’s Acres in a number of other ways in which we are most grateful. Raising funds (which they did at their event) for our organization ensures that we can continue to be true to our mission of providing meaningful, age appropriate, recreational programs to children and young adults with disabilities. Manheim Auto Auction did so much more than just raise funds. They encouraged their employees to volunteer and assist us with our programs, which created a most supportive environment for everyone. Manheim Auto Auction allowed those who wished to volunteer to do this during their workday. Taking pictures at camp was one of these opportunities that occurred this summer. Approximately 10 people spent a morning or an afternoon with our staff and campers, capturing the participants as they were in the swimming pool, riding horses, petting a snake or engaging in music therapy. These pictures are then used to create individualized memory books which are then shared with the campers’ family and friends. Several of the volunteers shared that they loved doing this project and were so touched by how the staff interacted with the campers, encouraging them in such positive ways.
Kathryn Rooney, Marketing Support Specialist at Manheim Auto Auction shared the following:
Aaron’s Acres is truly an incredible organization! You will not find more amazing staff and people who care so much! Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction partnered with Aaron’s Acres at the beginning of this year, and we love how engaged we can be in helping in volunteer opportunities! To put so many wonderful emotions into words from our experience of volunteering at the summer camp is difficult because the moment you see the staff counselors and kids interact with each other, you know you are experiencing something so much bigger than you – The only way I can describe it is magical and incredibly moving! To see the smiles on the kids’ faces throughout the day was so special! All their troubles melted away once they entered the pool – Every single camper loved it and that was the best moment I experienced, it was pure joy! The care, patience, and dedication that Aaron’s Acres staff gives to make the impossible become possible for these kids is second to none! We are so fortunate to partner with Aaron’s Acres and look forward to continuing to support and build our relationship through the years!
Another volunteer opportunity occurred at the end of August with our Community Resource Fair & Family Fun Event. Over 20 non-profit organizations and businesses shared their services and programs at this community event. So many families that are raising children with varying abilities often state they are not aware of the different programs available for those who have disabilities. Aaron’s Acres has always been committed to providing resources to families in order to support them in their journey. In addition to the resource fair, we had games, a bounce house, food trucks and an entertainer so that all members of the family could attend and enjoy! We were fortunate to have volunteers from the community including one individual from Manheim Auto Auction to help with the family fun area, assisting the children as they participated in the games, face painting, bounce house and of course, picking out their prizes at the end of the program. One parent said the following: “this was the perfect event as I felt it was safe for my child and I knew that my child was accepted for who he is”. Creating this safe setting was our priority and having volunteers from Manheim Auto Auction along with others from the community made that possible.
Scott Ruhl, Sr. Client Solutions Executive for Manheim Auto Auction, shared his experience in volunteering:
The experience was precious. I could not do what your staff and volunteers do on a daily basis. Their care, concerns for the children, and patience, is above and beyond. Aarons Acres is truly a safe haven for children with disabilities, enabling them to have abilities. Well done!!
Bringing people together who have different levels of abilities and who have different backgrounds, results in a stronger community for all. Barriers are broken down and new connections are created. A better understanding of others is likely to occur because of these new connections. It is quite evident that Manheim Auto Auction believes in giving back to the community in a variety of ways. It is more than just a business; it is community connector that truly makes a difference to so many! Aaron’s Acres has been blessed with this relationship and looks forward to it continuing for many years to come!
