The 2026 Silent Auction introduced a new challenge designed to build excitement while reinforcing the purpose behind the event: raising funds to support the NPCA Foundation. The new “Biggest Donor” recognition was created to honor the person who paid the most above an item’s fair market value, reminding members that every bid can make an even greater impact while adding a fun spirit of competition to the auction.
This year’s Biggest Donor, Kelley O’Malley, paid 47.4% over the fair market value of the item purchased.
“Our industry loves a good challenge and enjoys competing amongst each other. We designed the Biggest Donor Challenge around that competitive spirit while reminding everyone that, at its core, this is a fundraiser to create a lasting impact,” NPCA Foundation Chair Greg Stratis said. “I am incredibly grateful to Kelley for her generosity. Together, we are building the future of this industry.”
The 2026 Silent Auction also launched a new giving strategy that allows members to directly support the Foundation programs they care about most. Suzanne Runion led the way as the first member and Biggest Funder to support this new initiative. Suzanne contributed $2,500 to the new Veteran Outreach program and $5,000 to the Student Competition program. Barry Fleck contributed $3,250 to partially fund a fourth-year undergraduate scholarship. Bill Bundschuh contributed $2,250 to partially fund a second-year undergraduate scholarship, and Jesse Wingertcontributed $1,750 to partially fund a first-year undergraduate scholarship.
“I am so thankful to Suzanne, Barry, Bill and Jesse for their support to these programs and your ongoing support of the Foundation,” said Christina Trexler, Executive Director of the NPCA Foundation. “More information about how you can support, and even sponsor, the programs and initiatives that you care most about will be coming soon.”
Thanks to the generosity of members who donated during the silent auction, the Foundation raised an impressive $162,183.58. That support will help advance the Foundation’s mission and continue investing in programs that strengthen the future of the precast concrete industry.
The Foundation also wants to recognize members whose purchases and donations ranked among the highest at the Silent Auction: Andy Hayward, Karl Eisenacher, Greg Stratis, Mark W Thompson, Megan Kitchner, Ann Richie, Bill Bundschuh and Kelley O’Malley.