The generosity was overwhelming as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) raised over $43,000 for its camp and scholarship programs. Many thanks to the donors and bidders who participated in the NBT Silent Auction at the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association’s Annual Meeting. The auction proceeds will enable NBT to award more scholarships and summer manufacturing camp grants for 2020 and beyond.

Tables spanned across the room at The Westin Nashville, full of the most interesting array of items and experiences up for bid. Anxious energy filled the room with excitement as bidders imagined bringing home unique items such as the Takamine guitar autographed by Blake Shelton. The enchanted forest fire pit and the Oculus virtual reality headset made this auction one to remember!

The auction also included several one-of-a-kind experiences to choose from — everything from a fabulous pheasant hunt amidst the Iowa and South Dakota prairie to a seven-night stay at Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas, only five miles from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Let’s not forget the ultimate NASCAR fan’s dream! The Joe Gibbs Racing Experience package includes a complete behind-the-scenes weekend starting out at the Joe Gibbs Racing World Headquarters in Huntersville, North Carolina. The winning bidder will take an exclusive VIP tour of the entire manufacturing facility to see how the cars are assembled, fabricated, and maintained. On Saturday, they will spend a full day in the pits with the nationwide series team and on Sunday, the main event includes a concert, military demonstrations, and photos at the starting grid with a Cup Driver.

If the auction wasn’t enough to make for a memorable night, FMA/NBT President Ed Youdell and Foundation Director Ed Dernulc took a “Pool-er Plunge” in the chilly 30-degree temps. The “plunge” into the Westin’s unheated rooftop swimming pool generated an additional $5,000 for the foundation.

If you were unable to attend the event, mark your calendar for 2020’s FMA Annual Meeting on March 3-5 in San Antonio, Texas. NBT would like to thank everyone for their outstanding support!