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Just three weeks ahead of North America’s largest 3D printing industry event, the Together We Are Strong consortium came up with an idea to support Ukraine: a silent auction. As we’ve seen, once the additive manufacturing community makes a decision, action quickly follows. The brainchild of Avi Reichental and Terry Wohlers, the silent auction came together in record time. I had the opportunity to lead the project, and remain in awe at the generosity of our community and the real impact to be made in a short time span.
More than two dozen goods and services, ranging from industrial 3D printers to bow ties, were offered as donations to the auction from a wide array of more than one dozen companies.
When the doors of RAPID + TCT opened last Tuesday, so did the bids on the virtual auction platform. By event’s end, 18 winning bidders committed $54,705 – 100% of which is going to Ukraine.
Two of the 3D printers up at the auction came from Nexa3D. Our brand new desktop XiP 3D printer and industrial NXE 200 system both found great bidders from our community and we’re thrilled that these platforms will be moving into their new homes.
Also finding new homes were beautiful artwork from Sygnis/3DArt, a gorgeous WAAM-made lamp from Gefertec, 3D printed stools and a Mandalorian helmet from BigRep, a 2022 Wohlers Report, silk bow ties from OoOtie, and the most incredible 3D printed violin I’ve ever seen from EOS – among others!
This auction was very grassroots/community-driven, and with less than a month from inception to close we didn’t have a ton of time to get word out. Still, thanks to the support of RAPID + TCT organizers at SME, we were able to orchestrate signage and raise the profile during speaking sessions and even the livestream Avi and I did on-site from the Nexa3D booth.
Those who didn’t win on a bid or who are still keen to support those in Ukraine have the opportunity still to donate directly through PayPal.
While we certainly hope that circumstances improve very soon in Ukraine, war leads to long-term damages and needs. It is our hope to organize another auction event ahead of the additive manufacturing industry’s largest global gathering at Formnext in November. With six months of lead time, we have high hopes of organizing and getting word out, with potential for larger impact. Stay tuned for more to come as we remain in action!
Thank you to everyone who came together to make this initial effort an impactful one.
