Pendleton, S.C.—The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) acknowledged the success of its first online auction, which took place from Oct. 21 to Oct. 26, 2020 to raise funds in support of its mission which the COVID-19 pandemic has severely threatened.
“The results of the first-ever CTEF online auction were a huge success,” said Scott Carothers, CTEF director of certification and training. “CTEF was able to raise $33,134 thanks to the support of our sponsors and the event’s bidders. This allows us to continue our mission of tile installation training, education, and certification despite the pandemic.”
During normal times, CTEF generates income through in-person training and hands-on certification registrations as well as the generous financial support from leading tile industry sponsors. Since March 2020, all training and certification events have been suspended, to be rescheduled once conditions are safer.
The CTEF online auction featured items donated by tile and stone industry supporters, suppliers and manufacturers. Of relevance to tile installation professionals were tools such as mixers, saws, trowels, floats, sponges and knee pads, materials such as tile, GPTP, backer board, underlayment, mortar and grout, as well as flooring products. The auction included in total 112 items from 30 vendors with 62 bidders producing 532 bids plus $405 in cash.
“The feedback we received was all positive,” Carothers explained. “We quickly resolved a few early bidding glitches, and Cathey McAlister, the CTEF office manager, did a fabulous job of setting up, organizing, communicating and wrapping up all the functions of the Auction. Well done!”
The CTEF acknowledged the participation of the following auction sponsors: Ardex, Armaly Brands, Best of Everything, Blanke, Built with Foam, Custom Building Products, Crossville, Daltile, ETM, ECore, Florida Tile, Gundlach, Interceramic, IQ Power Tools, James Hardie, Laticrete, Mapei, Merkrete, Noble Company, Porcelain Plus Speedbit, ProKnee, Progress Profiles, QEP, Rapid Recess, Rubi Tools, Russo Trading, Schluter Systems, TEC, University of CTS and USG.
“We want to sincerely thank everyone who participated (vendors and bidders) in the auction as a means of keeping CTEF afloat in these uncertain times in which we now find ourselves,” Carothers added. “Please stay safe and healthy.”
Given the overwhelming response and success of the online auction, CTEF is considering making it an annual event and invites feedback. Those not able to participate in the online auction and who wish to support the CTEF mission are invited to donate here.