What began with one employee’s suggestion has grown into a heartfelt community tradition at Akron Auto Auction (AAA). On October 20, employees and dealers will come together for the auction’s Breast Cancer Awareness sale, raising funds for Ohioans affected by breast cancer and reminding one another that no one should have to face the challenge alone.
The effort began around 2012, after an employee who had experienced breast cancer brought the idea forward. As the conversation spread, people at the auction realized how many had been touched by the disease through a family member, friend, or coworker. The fundraiser became a way to support a local cause and help families across Ohio.
The sale is organized by Sales Manager Brigette Shepler, Repo Coordinator Laura Beth Riggs, Registration Manager Kalee Robinson, and HR representative Caysie Payne. Brigette and Kalee call dealers to rally their support, while Laura Beth and Caysie help bring the event to life in the lanes. Marketing Manager Pat Tipton and Digital Sales Manager Kayla Morrow also give extra time to the promotion and awareness events. “Without their support, we would just have ideas, not events,” said Cole Bailey, marketing and promotions at Akron Auto Auction.
The auction’s dealers have become an especially committed part of the effort. They donate based on the vehicles they buy or sell, and some reach out months in advance to ask how they can participate. “Their enthusiasm helps make the fundraiser possible year after year,” Bailey said.
This year’s event will include food trucks as a thank-you to dealers for their support throughout the month. During the sale, charity giveaways, including a progressive drawing with a chance to win more than $1,600, will invite people to contribute. Donors will receive custom pink AAA merchandise, including bucket hats, T-shirts, socks, and glasses. A booth will also collect donations and share breast cancer awareness information.
The beneficiary is the Drive Hope: Breast Cancer Awareness Fund of Ohio. Donations help provide practical support to people affected by breast cancer, including temporary help with housing, utilities, and food; transportation to and from treatment; childcare during diagnostic and treatment procedures; and job training for people who lose their jobs after a diagnosis. The fund also helps with mental health services not covered by insurance and treatment-related expenses, such as prescriptions, co-pays, and clinical-trial costs.
For AAA, the cause is personal. Cashier Beckie Graham and Title Clerk Debbie Goehler are breast cancer survivors who share their stories with dealers to raise awareness. Their message is simple: lean on the people around you. Some dealers have also been caregivers, and hearing these stories from people they know makes the cause feel close to home.
That sense of connection is part of the auction’s culture. Almost everyone knows someone who has faced breast cancer, AAA’s team says, and the sale is one way to support one another through difficult moments while encouraging people to learn about checking and screening.
One moment captures what the fundraiser means to the people involved: the presentation of the ceremonial oversized check. Each year, representatives from the fund come to receive it and take photos with the AAA team. They often become emotional and share how much the support means to them. For auction staff, those reactions make the impact of the community’s generosity unmistakable.
Last year, the sale raised $17,900. This year, AAA hopes to surpass that total and reach its goal of $20,000. Buyers, sellers, employees, and community members can take part by speaking with their sales representative or Kalee Robinson.
Above all, the team hopes attendees leave with a better understanding of the challenges breast cancer can bring, and of the many ways to support someone facing them. As a reminder for people living through the experience, the team shares this quote from Kahlil Gibran: “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”
ServNet is proud to count Akron Auto Auction among its member auctions and to celebrate the people and relationships that have shaped its journey.
About Akron Auto Auction
Akron Auto Auction has grown into a cornerstone of the auction industry. The facility features six auction lanes and support services. Today, it hosts weekly auctions of dealer consignments, bank repossessions, and other vehicles. Now led by the third generation of its founding family, Akron Auto Auction remains committed to its employees, customers, and community.
About ServNet Auction Group
ServNet Auction Group is a premier network of independently owned auto auctions across North America. ServNet auctions are known for exceptional service, operational excellence, and strong partnerships with dealers, commercial consignors, and industry partners.