Month: October 2024

JASPER, Ind. – Meyer Distributing announces a new partnership with Airxcel and its family of RV brands: Coleman-Mach, Suburban, Maxxair, Velarium and InVision, according to a release.

The brands of Airxcel are among the most well-known and respected names in the RV industry. Airxcel products include interior and exterior components that lead the industry in recreational vehicle heating, cooling, ventilation, cooking, window coverings, awnings, sealants, cleaning products, side walls, windows, RV roofing products and more. RV enthusiasts everywhere can trust the Airxcel brands and products to elevate their RV experience!

“Meyer continues to be a strong wholesale distributor in the RV aftermarket,” stated Ben Johnson, RV Towing & Marine Category sales manager at Meyer. “Our vast delivery network reaches dealers across the US and Canada, and our award-winning team that serves the RV market is second to none. The ability to provide the Coleman-Mach, Suburban, Maxxair, Velarium, and Invision brands to our current dealer base while also capitalizing on the opportunity to serve new dealers is exciting. Meyer cannot thank Airxcel enough for this partnership. We will strive to truly grow the entire RV aftermarket together with these new offerings through Meyer Distributing.”

“Airxcel is excited to expand its relationship with Meyer Distributing,” said Piar Adams, vice president of Marketing, Aftermarket and International Sales at Airxcel. “Their reputation and service to the RV dealer network is commendable, and we look forward to a long, prosperous partnership.”

Meyer Distributing is a complete international automotive and RV/towing distributor. With 108 locations nationwide and over 3,500,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Meyer has a huge inventory of parts to service their customers. With strategically positioned warehouse facilities, Meyer Distributing is able to provide next day delivery to most locations using Meyer Logistics direct ship.

The post Meyer Dist. Announces New Partnership with Airxcel first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Registration is now open for the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, which is Feb 23-28, 2025 at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, W.V. This in-person cohort program is designed to provide outdoor hospitality professionals with essential tools and knowledge to grow their businesses and careers, according to a release from OHI, which hosts the program. 

Participants will engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences led by industry experts, with a curriculum focused on the latest business management principles and practices applied to the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. Attendees will sharpen their skills, deepen their industry expertise, and connect with like-minded professionals. 

“The school brings together such a diverse group, from family-owned parks to corporate operators and even prospective owners curious about what they could gain. By the end of the week, the energy and enthusiasm for this industry was so high that no one wanted to leave,” said Erica Edmonds, general manager of Sun Outdoors Salt Lake City and Year 1 attendee in 2023. “We were all committed to returning next year to continue our journey together. The connections we made, from fellow attendees to instructors who shared their personal contact information, are invaluable. It’s amazing how open and supportive everyone was,”  

Year 1 students will embark on the Outdoor Hospitality Manager (OHM) track, learning the essentials of Marketing, Standard Operating Procedures, Employee Training, Risk Management, and more. This foundational year provides critical skills necessary for day-to-day operations, including managing budgets and ensuring a safe guest experience. 

For Year 2 students, the Outdoor Hospitality Professional (OHP) track dives deeper into advanced topics such as Employment Law, Finance Opportunities, and Long-term Strategic Planning. Year 2 participants will revisit crucial topics such as Risk Management but with a greater focus on strategic impact. 

Attendees will earn their Outdoor Hospitality Manager (OHM) or Outdoor Hospitality Professional (OHP) certificates upon completing all required coursework. 

The registration and hotel booking fee includes: all classroom materials, 5 nights lodging, food and beverage package that includes a Thursday evening banquet and plated dinner, and a certificate of completion. Space is limited, and registration will close once all seats are filled. 

To register or learn more about the 2025 George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, visit OHI.org/NationalSchool.  

The post Registration Opens for 2025 School of Outdoor Hospitality first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) announces the debut of Firestone’s latest tires featuring the ENLITEN Technology, the all-new Transforce HT3 and CV2.

Engineered specifically for hardworking commercial highway vehicles, Firestone’s latest fleet tires are designed to deliver wet-weather performance, low-speed refinement, confident high-speed handling and exceptional wear life, according to a release. Both Transforce HT3 and CV2 maximize wear performance to help improve sustainability over the life of the tire.

The Transforce HT3 and CV2 tires were each created to excel in different facets of the commercial highway tire market. The HT3 tire is for heavy-duty trucks while the CV2 tire is for last-mile delivery vans. The hardwearing tires share key commonalities, including construction and tread pattern, while broadening the Transforce line with distinct features like sidewall design and tread compound that benefit their unique use cases.

“Our goal for the Firestone Transforce HT3 and CV2 tires was to create two surefooted commercial highway tires that hold up to the strenuous duties of fleet service while focusing on a quiet and long riding experience,” said Jeremy Norwood, Chief Engineer, Consumer Replacement Product Engineering. “Transforce HT3 and CV2 deliver the performance that fleet managers expect—so much so that they won’t even think about the tire.”

Hardworking HD Trucks

Offered strictly in LT sizing, the Transforce HT3 tire is designed for heavy-duty trucks with a high rim diameter between 16- and 20-inches. It features an off-shoulder sidewall design with noise abatement, making it both quieter and more aggressive in appearance. The Transforce HT3 tire’s distinct tread compound emphasizes traction, durability, year-round use and hauling and towing.

Additional key engineering features of the Firestone Transforce HT3 tire include:

• Long-Lasting, Reliable Wear: Built with Firestone’s new compound designed to help resist irregular wear, the Transforce HT3 also features a tread pattern reinforced with interlocking 3D sipes to help provide uniform stiffness and resiliency that fights irregular wear, even when loaded.
• Dependable Wet Traction: Avoid the added stress of hauling heavy loads in the rain. Transforce HT3 features open shoulder slots and a high see-through void to accelerate water evacuation from the pattern and improve wet performance, even when loaded.

Long-Lasting Last Mile Delivery

Offered in EURO-C and LT sizing, the Transforce CV2 tire is more highway focused and engineered specifically for last-mile delivery vehicles. It includes a sidewall defense rib for added durability and chip-tear resistance and its lowered shoulder-slot angle improves snow traction. The Transforce CV2 tire delivers extended wear life as one of its key objectives.

Additional key engineering features of the Firestone Transforce CV2 tire include:

• Long-Lasting, Reliable Treadwear: The Transforce CV2 features Firestone’s long-wearing compound plus a tread pattern purpose-built to resist irregular wear. Strategically placed interlocking sipes help ensure uniform tread stiffness and resiliency throughout the pattern.
• Reinforced Sidewall Durability: Feel confident getting a little closer to that curb. The Transforce CV2 features a sidewall defense rib designed for added durability and chip-tear resistance.
• Wet and Winter Traction*: An open shoulder design and high see-through void help accelerate water away from the tread pattern for confident wet performance. Interlocking sipes help add dependable winter traction because the work ahead doesn’t stop for the forecast.
• Efficient Rolling Resistance: The Transforce CV2 is built to help cut fuel costs and is designed to optimize fuel efficiency and rolling resistance, even in stop- and-start delivery applications.

The Firestone Transforce HT3 and CV2 tires are on sale now.

Bridgestone’s development of the Firestone Transforce HT3 and CV2 tires align with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which consists of eight Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter “E” (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment). The Firestone Transforce HT3 and CV2 tires align with its “Energy” and “Economy” commitments.

The post Firestone Introduces Transforce HT3, CV2 Commercial Tires first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Fall 2024 issue of RV Today magazine is now available. Here’s the Publisher’s Note from Demian Ross.

Greetings from Open House in Elkhart, Indiana. If you’re unaware of or don’t know what Open House is, it is an RV dealer-only event held yearly in Elkhart County where something like 80% of all RVs are made.

I have been attending Open House since 2022. Each year we get an up-close look at the prototypes manufacturers have in the works for the coming year. Some weren’t even at the Hershey show a few weeks earlier.

Out of these events, you will see many video creators trying to give the first look at new units. However many of these prototypes will still go through a lot of changes as manufacturers get feedback from dealers in this process about what they want to sell. So keep in mind that what you’re seeing now on video or YouTube might not be the final RV you see for sale in a few months — if they ever make production runs of that unit at all.

One upside of publishing a magazine in the industry is that we are not trying to get the information on these new units out right now; we are just wanting to make sure we get it right when the manufacturers lock in what these new units and floorplans will look like.

I will say that one trend I am excited to see — and one I have been talking about since 2017 — is that manufacturers are listening to how RVers want to be outside and want their RVs to have more access to the outdoors. This year, we are seeing a lot more patios, sundecks, and sliding doors on units that are not toy haulers and it is about time!

Most RVers don’t venture out to the desert, lake, or beach to just be indoors all day, and it is nice to have a private patio area right outside your door. Along with that, I’m also liking the trend we’re seeing of more windows and larger windows so you can enjoy the view or being in the outdoors more. It makes the RV seem open and spacious — something they used to try to do with mirrors.

One trend that I wasn’t really a fan of was how large some of the TVs are getting. I swear some are 70-plus inches with only like seven feet between you and the screen. (Reminds me of showing up late to the movie and getting the dreaded front row.)

In the months to come, you will see us highlight a lot of these new trends and features that are gaining popularity throughout the industry. People want to get outdoors and experience nature and it’s nice to see that when in your RV that is becoming more possible than ever before.

Until the next issue, I hope to see you on the road…

Demian Ross
Founder/Publisher
[email protected]

The post ‘RV Today’ Magazine Features Lightweight Travel Trailers first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Milton rapidly strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday, according to reporting by the Associated Press, and was forecast to become a Category 5 storm on a path toward Florida, threatening a dangerous storm surge in Tampa Bay and setting the stage for potential mass evacuations less than two weeks after a catastrophic Hurricane Helene swamped the coastline.

A hurricane warning was issued for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan state, and much of Florida’s west coast was under hurricane and storm surge watches. Florida’s Lake Okeechobee, which often floods during intense storms, was also under a hurricane watch.

“This is the real deal here with Milton,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said at a news conference. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”

Milton was a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 kph) Monday morning over the southern Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said. It was forecast to become a Category 5 storm later Monday with winds greater than 157 mph (250 kph) and become a large hurricane over the eastern Gulf.

Its center could come ashore Wednesday in the Tampa Bay area, and it could remain a hurricane as it moves across central Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean. That would largely spare other states ravaged by Helene, which killed at least 230 people on its path from Florida to the Appalachian Mountains.

Forecasters warned of a possible 8- to 12-foot storm surge (2.4 to 3.6 meters) in Tampa Bay and said flash and river flooding could result from 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters) of rain in mainland Florida and the Keys, with as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) in places.

Click here to read the Associated Press report.

The post Milton, Forecast to Become a Cat 5, Takes Aim at Florida first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.

Brinkley RV (Brinkley) is recalling 40 2025 Model Z travel trailers. The installed safety chains are underrated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Dealers will replace the safety chains, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 8, 2024. Owners may contact Brinkley customer service at 1-574-501-4280. Brinkley’s number for this recall is REC-2403.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 331 2024-2025 Viking and Clipper travel trailers. The roof rack hardware may not have been properly tightened, allowing the rack to detach from the roof. Dealers will inspect and tighten roof rack hardware, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 6, 2024. Owners may call Forest River Customer Service at 269-467-6604. Forest River’s number for this recall is 121-1844.

Forest River, Inc. is recalling 331 2024-2025 Viking and Clipper travel trailers. The side marker lights may not reflect light as intended, which can make it difficult for other drivers to see the trailer. As such, these trailers fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” Dealers will install reflector stickers to the lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 6, 2024. Owners may call Forest River Customer Service at 269-467-6604. Forest River’s number for this recall is 121-1845.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 761 2024 F-53 Recreational Stripped Chassis and 2024 F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may not properly display the transmission gear position indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, “Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect.” Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24C32.

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling 17,329 2013-2017 Tour, 2013-2018 Journey, 2014-2022 Forza, 2015-2016 Brave, 2015-2019 Grand Tour, 2015-2021 Vista, 2016-2018 Adventurer, Sightseer, 2016-2021 Commercial Vehicle, 2018-2021 Intent, Sunstar, 2018-2020 Horizon, Itasca 2013-2017 Ellipse, Meridian, 2014-2017 Solei, 2015-2016 Tribute, 2015-2018 Sunstar, 2016-2018 Suncruiser, and Sunova motorhomes. The turn signals may have a smaller than required luminous lens area. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” Dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 28, 2024. Owners may contact Winnebago Customer Care at 1-800-537-1885. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 189.

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling 588 2025 Freightliner Cascadia, Western Star 49X, Freightliner Custom Chassis XCM and Freightliner Custom Chassis XCP vehicles equipped with certain Cummins fuel pumps. The fuel pump barrels may fracture and cause a fuel leak, which can result in an engine stall. Cummins will replace the fuel pump barrels, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 22, 2024. Owners may contact DTNA Customer Service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA’s number for this recall is F1010. Owners may also contact Cummins Customer Service at 812-377-5000.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 26 2025 Catalina CAT243RBSLE travel trailers. The Federal Placard label states an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims,” and fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” Dealers will install corrected labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 13, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995. Forest River’s number for this recall is 300-1847.

The post NHTSA Releases its Most Recent Installment of RV Recalls first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. –Red Oak Inventory Finance, offering dealers creative, expedient financing solutions for all types of RVs, both new and used, will be a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, according to a release.

The Convention/Expo will take place Nov. 11-15, 2024, at Paris Las Vegas and is sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center. 

“Red Oak’s financing products include highly customized dealer programs, so the company is quite familiar with the unique needs of its dealer partners,” said Convention/Expo Committee Chair Chris Andro, Hemlock Hill RV Sales in Southington, CT. “We are pleased to have Red Oak come aboard as a bronze-level sponsor of the 2024 Convention/Expo.”

“Our team is always looking for new ways to serve our dealer partners and aligning with the Convention/Expo is a perfect opportunity to deepen that relationship,” said Red Oak Inventory Finance’s CEO Jeff Collins. “Vegas always seems to bring the biggest and brightest together, along with everybody looking to make their businesses the best it can be.”

About the RV Dealers Convention/Expo

The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry. 

The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.

To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].  

About Red Oak Inventory Finance

Red Oak Inventory Finance is a trusted relationship lender specializing in providing inventory financing solutions to businesses across a variety of industries. With a focus on empowering businesses to optimize working capital and achieve success through effective inventory management, Red Oak Inventory Finance offers tailored financing solutions designed to meet each client’s unique needs. Whether supporting inventory procurement or facilitating expansion initiatives, the Company delivers flexible and innovative financial solutions with a personalized approach. Backed by a team of seasoned, entrepreneurial professionals with deep finance and inventory management expertise, Red Oak ensures businesses have access to the capital they need to thrive in today’s competitive, dynamic market. Committed to fostering long-term partnerships and driving sustainable growth, Red Oak is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their strategic objectives.

For more information about Red Oak and its comprehensive range of financing solutions, visit www.redoakinventoryfinance.com.

The post Red Oak a Bronze Sponsor of RV Dealers Convention/Expo first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NAPPANEE, Ind. – ATC Trailers, a leading manufacturer of premium aluminum RVs and trailers, announces the celebration of its 25th anniversary and, to mark this significant milestone, ATC Trailers hosted an Open House event at its headquarters in Nappanee, Ind., that featured the unveiling of its latest innovative toy hauler models, according to a release.

Unveiling the Future

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of ATC’s newest toy hauler models – the Plā 550 Travel Trailer and Plā 750 Fifth Wheel – which promise to set new standards in the industry, the release continued.

The latest additions to the ATC lineup showcase cutting-edge design and advanced features while maintaining the same robust, all-aluminum construction that ATC is known for. This launch marks the most impressive décor update in ATC history, with thoughtful updates that bring the comforts of home to the road and appeal to a buyer that may have been skeptical of ATC’s interiors in the past. Highlights of the décor updates include residential style cabinets, commercial-grade wood grain vinyl flooring, spa-style bathrooms, updated graphics, and more. The Plā 550 and 750 include industry-leading carrying capacities, construction methods, and a 10-year structural warranty.

A Message from the CEO

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 25 years of excellence in the trailer industry,” said Duane Yoder, CEO of ATC Trailers. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the loyalty of our customers. We believe it’s time for a change, and we are excited to unveil our latest model offering, which represents the culmination of our experience and innovation. We look forward to continuing to be a revolutionary force in the industry for many years to come.”

A Quarter Century of Excellence

Since its inception in 1999, ATC Trailers has been at the forefront of the trailer manufacturing industry, known for its commitment to quality, durability, and customer satisfaction. Over the past 25 years, ATC has grown from a small operation into a renowned brand, producing a wide range of trailers and RVs including toy haulers, car haulers and stackers, cargo trailers, and custom commercial solutions.

To learn more, schedule a factory tour, or connect with an ATC representative, visit atctrailers.com.

The post ATC Trailers Celebrates 25th Anniversary with New Model first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) today announced its intention to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, $400 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2032 in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, according to a release.

The interest rate, redemption prices and other terms of the Notes are to be determined upon pricing of the offering. Patrick intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to redeem all of its $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500% Senior Notes due 2027, repay a portion of its borrowings under its existing senior secured credit facility and pay fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.

Concurrently with the completion of the offering, the company plans to amend and restate the credit agreement governing its existing $925 million senior secured credit facility to establish a new $1.0 billion senior secured credit facility consisting of an $875 million revolving credit facility and a $125 million term loan. The maturity date for borrowings under the new senior secured credit facility is expected to be extended to October 2029. The new senior secured credit facility is expected to replace the company’s existing credit facility that is due to mature in August 2027, with pricing and other material provisions to be finalized following the completion of the pricing of the offering of the Notes described above.

This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The Notes and related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Any offers of the Notes will be made only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the applicable private offering memorandum.

About Patrick Industries, Inc.

Patrick (NASDAQ: PATK) is a leading component solutions provider serving the RV, Marine, Powersports and Housing markets. Since 1959, Patrick has empowered manufacturers and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve next-level recreation experiences. Our customer-focused approach brings together design, manufacturing, distribution, and transportation in a full solutions model that defines us as a trusted partner. Patrick is home to more than 85 leading brands, all united by a commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation. Headquartered in Elkhart, IN, Patrick employs approximately 10,000 skilled team members throughout the United States.

For more information on Patrick, its brands, and products, please visit www.patrickind.com.

The post Patrick Announces $400M Private Offering of Senior Notes first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind, – The 24^th Annual Bids 4 Kids Dinner & Auction, a popular charitable event that’s drawn impressive support over the years around the RV-building capitol of Elkhart, Ind., was held Friday night (Oct. 4) in the Northern Indiana Event Center and RV/MH Hall of Fame’s newly expanded, 36,000-square-foot East Wing.

And once again, the results of the auction, featuring a memorable catered dinner and an appreciable crowd of RV industry players, didn’t disappoint the event’s leadership including LCI Industries Inc. President and CEO Jason Lippert who has personally spearheaded the fun-filled fundraiser dedicated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County for the last 17 years and currently co-chairs the event with LCI Social Impact Strategist Michilah Grimes.

This year’s unofficial auction revenues at press time: More than $1.75 million, a total that is particularly noteworthy on the heels of a couple of “tough years” for the nation’s RV business, Lippert told RVBusiness, adding that Elkhart usually ranks in the top three for Boys & Girls Club fund-raising nationally.

“It was great,” said Lippert, who especially wanted to commend Boys & Girls Club staffers Jamee Holmes and Matt Fischer for helping to set up and run the event. “I mean, we had a lot of familiar faces that are friends of the club and leaders of the industry show up and bid big. And a lot of people donated items and sponsored. So, those three things usually play the largest role in how we do. And just to have everybody come out and participate like they did and nearly set a record, it was pretty incredible.”

Obviously, those kinds of financial proceeds clearly stand out from the crowd among charitable fundraisers in general whether they’re in northern Indiana, New York City or L.A. as a result of Friday’s live and silent auctions and a wide array of cash donations. “You know, it’s just incredible that a little town like Elkhart can come together and raise more money than most of these big metro areas,” he told RVB.com.

Indeed, the prices paid for live Bids 4 Kids auction items in themselves are often pretty eye-catching. Consider these examples from Friday night in an auction gaveled by popular auctioneer Joe Mast and hosted on stage by local personality Vince Turner, a member of the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame and a longtime volunteer, along with his wife, Pat, for the Boys & Girls Club:

• A Weeklong 6-Bedroom Napa Valley Home Stay: $55,000
• 2 bottles of Caymus Cabernet Wine: $25,000 (sold 3 times)
• A Commemorative Winchester Wells Fargo Rifle: $20,000
• A Montana Big Sky Country Trip for Two People: $30,000
• An Italian “Ancient Charm” Experience for 4: $35,000 (sold twice)
• Exclusive Outing at Michael Jordan’s Fla. Golf Course: $37,500
• First Turn Seats for 2 at the 2025 Kentucky Derby: $30,000
• South African Adventures for Two: $17,500 (sold twice)
• Golf with Jason Lippert at Blackthorn: $17,500 (sold twice) 
• A cuter-than-heck male Cavapoo puppy: $20,000

Meanwhile, the Bids 4 Kids auction’s roster of up-front supporters was led by presenting sponsors Bill and Kristin Fenech, Consolidated Metals Inc., Jeffrey & Sabrina Kime, Lippert and Aunalytics.

The post Slideshow: Annual Bids 4 Kids Auction Earns About $1.75M first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.