HOLLYWOOD, FL – As GAWDA’s 2025 Annual Convention nears, we once again come together in our yearly tradition of supporting the community that hosts us. And we are especially proud that we are celebrating 25 years of GAWDA Gives Back and our members’ generosity and compassion.
The GAWDA Gives Back Program, conceived in 2000 by GAWDA Past President Dave Mahoney and his wife Donna, serves as a testament to the voluntary generosity of GAWDA members. It aims to honor and thank GAWDA’s Annual Convention host communities by supporting local charities and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
GAWDA President Eric Wood and his wife Paula have selected Black Dagger Military Hunt Club of Florida as our 2025 GAWDA Gives Back Recipient. This nonprofit organization provides outdoor experiences such as shooting, hunting, and fishing for wounded veterans, helping them recover and adjust to life with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, limb loss, and loss of eyesight. This truly special organization helps America’s heroes heal.
Donations can be made as part of your GAWDA Annual Convention registration, you can click here to download our Donation Form, or you can email Bruce Ellenbogen at bellenbogen@gawda.org to donate directly.
New this year, in honor of the 25th anniversary, we will host a Silent Auction to raise additional funds for GAWDA Gives Back. We invite members to contribute unique experiences or packages — such as a round of golf at your country club, a weekend stay at your vacation home, sporting event tickets, ski packages, or other one-of-a-kind opportunities. If you or your company can donate an item or experience, please contact Claudinne Cerveira at ccerveira@gawda.org.
GAWDA extends its sincere gratitude to all members for their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need.
For more information on how to contribute to the GAWDA Gives Back Program and support Black Dagger Military Hunt Club please visit www.gawda.org.
About GAWDA:
Founded in 1945 as the National Welding Supply Association (NWSA), the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the leading trade association representing the industrial gases and welding supply industry. GAWDA is dedicated to promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment supplies. Through its GAWDA Gives Back campaign, association members have donated almost $2 million over the last 23 years to over 20 different charitable organizations in 14 communities across the U.S. Since 2013, GAWDA and its members also have provided scholarships over $430,000 to 130+ young people interested in studies leading to careers in the industry.
For more information, visit the association’s website at www.gawda.org