ORLANDO, Fla. — Each year the AHR Expo gives back to the local community by donating the sum of Innovation Award entry fees to an organization in the region where the show is being held. A selection committee chooses a deserving organization that is in need of HVACR repairs, upgrades, or installations and that will put the money toward a product of this nature.

This year, the Jacksonville Police Athletic League (PAL), was selected as the beneficiary. This not-for-profit organization was also selected in 2010, the last time the AHR Expo was in Orlando. After receiving a record number of Innovation Award entries for the 2016 show, the AHR Expo contributed $19,600 toward replacing and upgrading air handling systems at one of Jacksonville PAL’s facilities.

“We spend so much time focusing on making the AHR Expo a great experience for attendees, but we realize the importance of community outreach, too,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Co. “Donating entry fees to an organization in need is a small way of saying ‘thank you’ to the region that is hosting our show.”

For more than 40 years, Jacksonville PAL has aimed to enrich the lives of children by creating positive relationships between law enforcement officers and community youth through educational, athletic, and leadership programs. Today, it serves thousands of children and their families each year through its afterschool, sports, mentoring, teen leadership, summer camp, and scholarship programs. A partnership with local police and sheriff departments is tied in to establish trust and reinforce crime prevention among area youths.