All Auction Proceeds go to Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation College Scholarship Program; Wells Fargo Becomes Presenting Sponsor of HAPPY! Happy Hour
IRVINE, Calif. – One of the most popular traditions at the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) will continue for 2016 following an announcement that HAPPY! Happy Hour will once again provide a unique networking and social gathering for attendees. The cornerstone of the HAPPY! Happy Hour will be the annual Ride for Kids Happy Hour Auction hosted by National Powersport Auctions (NPA), benefitting the Cycle World Joseph C. Parkhurst Education Fund, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation college scholarship program. The anticipated event will take place on Thursday, October 13, at the conclusion of the opening day at AIMExpo in the North Hall concourse of Orlando, Florida’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), just outside the doors of the exhibitor floor.
HAPPY! Happy Hour has been a staple of AIMExpo since its inception in 2013 and remains one of the most popular elements of the event thanks to the unparalleled opportunity for attendees to connect with one another by coming together as an industry in a casual, laid back setting. While there’s ample opportunity to network and even talk business, HAPPY! Happy Hour serves as a rare space for the shared passion of motorcycling to be celebrated as an industry following a busy and successful first day of AIMExpo.
National Powersport Auctions (NPA) is a founding exhibitor at AIMExpo and over the past two years has been a driving force behind the live charity auction component of HAPPY! Happy Hour. In partnership with AIMExpo, NPA has been an advocate to the cause of supporting the families of pediatric brain tumor survivors that have faced financial hardships while battling the disease. NPA goes to great lengths to curate an exceptional collection of auction items sure to generate high demand and excitement from arguably the largest and most influential collection of enthusiasts in the country.
“Ride for Kids and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation has been the motorcycle charity of choice for AIMExpo since its inception and NPA has become a dedicated partner in the continued success of the happy hour auction,” said Larry Little, vice president and general manager of AIMExpo. “With more research from the support of the foundation has come a higher survival rate and a greater need for scholarship funding as more and more kids apply. NPA’s contribution to the auction has been pivotal to raising funds for the program, giving the growing number of pediatric brain tumor survivors a chance to continue their higher education efforts.”
The success and popularity of HAPPY! Happy Hour has garnered the attention of Wells Fargo, Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF), an AIMExpo attendee every year. The California-based international banking and financial services holding company saw an opportunity to build its awareness within the powersports community by becoming presenting sponsor of HAPPY! Happy Hour, and will highlight its sponsorship support by bringing its legendary stagecoach to the gathering, a pioneering powersports vehicle in its own right.
“Our team is extremely excited to connect with dealers and OEM’s at this year’s AIMExpo,” said Jeremy Jansen, president of CDF’s motorsports group. “This will be our fourth time attending, however it’s the first time we are bringing the iconic Wells Fargo stagecoach with us. Attendees can learn more about Wells Fargo and CDF, and talk to our team about a variety of financing solutions and resources that can help their business’ profitably grow.”
NPA is currently accepting donations of items and memorabilia for the Ride for Kids Happy Hour Auction. Interested parties can contact NPA’s Sara Spohr directly at (619) 964-3141 or sspohr@npauctions.com.
More than 500 exhibitors will showcase the latest the powersports industry has to offer at AIMExpo. In addition to new product launches, the latest innovations being showcased on the show floor, and an expansive demo space outdoors, AIMExpo attendees will have the opportunity to connect with others throughout the industry at numerous networking events, while dealer attendees can take advantage of the unparalleled curriculum of the Powersports DEALER Seminars presented by Powersports Business during the two trade days of AIMExpo, October 13 & 14.
