NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
ORIA & AMERICASMART HOST SUMMER MARKET AREA RUG SILENT AUCTION BENEFITING ORIA CHARITABLE FUND
For more than a decade, The Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA) and its members have been financially committed to charities worldwide. Many of these organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of children—specifically those affected by global disasters. Additionally, ORIA has recently expanded its reach to include on-going support for non-governmental programs aimed at improving the health, welfare and educational enrichment of needy children and their families in the world’s major carpet weaving districts.
This July, ORIA’s commitment to children extends to a unique but natural alliance between itself and AmericasMart-Atlanta. In conjunction with the summer Atlanta International Area Rug Market, July 16—19, 2006, The ORIA and AMERICASMART will host a silent auction featuring 20—30 of the world’s most exquisite, hand-crafted rugs. Donated exclusively by ORIA members, opening bids on these large-sized area rugs will be listed significantly lower than wholesale value. All proceeds will benefit ORIA’s Charitable Fund.
Bidding will begin Sunday, July 16 at 9 a.m. in the MOI Gallery located on the 4th floor of AmericasMart in space #4B1 and is open to all retail buyers attending the market. The auction will end on Monday, July 17 at 5 p.m. Auction participants will also be eligible to enter-to-win a spectacular hand-crafted area rug, as well as an Apple IPod. Winning bids will be announced during the annual Rug Retailer of the Year (ROY) Awards held this year at the Georgia Aquarium.