Oct 16, 2017

Funds for disaster relief collected by equipment dealers

The number of natural disasters throughout North America this year has been striking.  As such, the Equipment Dealers Foundation (EDF) has asked for an extraordinary amount of assistance from the agriculture industry. The EDF’s resources are used to benefit employees of equipment dealerships in two ways: workforce development in the form of scholarships and disaster relief.

In recent months, the Disaster Relief Fund has been utilized to provide financial aid to victims of Hurricane Harvey and Irma. Now, with wildfires in California displacing thousands of individuals, the EDF is once again requesting assistance. The Fund provides grant money to offset the financial demands on dealership employees who are affected by natural disasters. Grant money can be used for temporary housing, food, water and other necessities.

Gena Maldonado, office manager for Hlavinka, had this to say about the financial support received by several of their employees: “The generosity of your company during this difficult time is very much appreciated … a lot of us suffered significant damage to our homes, along with different expenses due to the storm. Your kindness will not ever go unnoticed nor will it be forgotten.”

“We have been very fortunate this year to receive generous donations from many dealer members, manufacturers and industry partners,” said Joe Dykes, EDA’s VP of Industry Relations. “Unfortunately, the need has been so great that we’ve given out as much as we’ve taken in.  We are hopeful that we can generate some new donations that can help us continue to be a source of positivity to those who have lost so much.”

All funds raised will go directly to assist equipment dealers and their employees. 

Donations can be made using this pledge card.

Checks should be made out to Equipment Dealers Foundation and mailed to:

Equipment Dealers Foundation

165 N. Meramec Ave. Suite 430

St. Louis, MO 63105 

If you prefer to donate using a credit card, please call EDA’s office at 636-349-5000