School Connect was a recipient of more than $2,700

GLENDALE, Ariz. (May 3, 2019) – Every Saturday, EJ’s Auction & Appraisal is bustling with bidders who purchase estate items both live at the full-service Glendale auction house or online. Items range from Picasso paintings to pots and pans, but sometimes items just don’t sell. On Sundays, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona sends a truck to EJ’s to pick up the excess items that didn’t sell.

But it doesn’t stop there. EJ’s and Goodwill have worked out a unique arrangement where Goodwill weighs the donated items that didn’t sell at auction and then donates 10 cents per pound to local charities each quarter.

The idea came to life when William McCulloch, EJ’s floor setup manager, approached Joe Barba, Goodwill’s senior donation drive coordinator, to inquire how the two organizations could collaborate to help other non-profits in the community.

“William has been spearheading EJ’s charitable programs, and he is passionate about helping others, especially kids,” said Erik Hoyer, owner and auctioneer of EJ’s Auction & Appraisal. “We’ve been pleased with Goodwill’s capacity to accept our donated items, and the fact that they then turn around and donate a percentage back to our local community speaks volumes about the good work they do.”

Barba said the partnership with EJ’s aligns with Goodwill’s mission to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build stronger communities.

“Goodwill is committed to ending poverty through the power of work and promoting a sustainable environment,” Barba said. “All donated items help drive our vision as we offer no-cost career services where Arizonans can develop their digital skills, connect with career advisors, and meet directly with hiring employers. Every year, Goodwill diverts nearly 200 million pounds of materials from going directly into Arizona landfills.”

The unique partnership has helped several non-profits, such as School Connect, which was presented with a check for $2,762. The Arizona-based non-profit works with hundreds of schools in Maricopa County and is expanding to serve other counties throughout Arizona. They are beginning to work with some six other cities across the country, helping schools to build partnerships with the faith community, local businesses, universities, non-profits, and community leaders.

“We’re very grateful to both Goodwill and EJ’s for this very generous donation,” said Jill Hicks, School Connect’s director of business partnerships. “Funds like this help us to share our model of community engagement through online tools and training.”

Thanks to a unique partnership between EJ’s Auction & Appraisal and Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, the non-profit School Connect was presented with a check for $2,762 at EJ’s auction house in Glendale.

Pictured (left to right): William McCulloch, floor setup manager for EJ’s Auction & Appraisal; Jill Hicks, director of business partnerships for School Connect; Joe Barba, senior donation drive coordinator at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona; and Erik Hoyer, owner/CEO of EJ’s Auction & Appraisal.

EJ’s Auction & Appraisal is located at 5880 W. Bell Road in Glendale on the northeast corner of 59th Avenue and Bell Road. Doors open on Saturdays at 9 a.m. with the auctions starting in three rings at 10 a.m. A free preview takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday. In addition, bidders can preview and bid on items online. To learn more, visit www.ejsauction.com or call (623) 878-2003.

To learn about Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona’s donations centers and retail stores, visit www.goodwillaz.org or call (602) 535-4000.

For details about School Connect’s services and school partnership opportunities, visit www.schoolconnectaz.org or call (602) 496-0215.

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