“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., which owns and manages the HVAC sales trade show. “Donating entry fees to an organization in need is a small way of saying ‘thank you’ to the region that is hosting our Show.”

The athletic league works to foster positive relations between police and the community.

“The education aspect is the most important part of the organization,” said Renee Naughton, managing director of Jacksonville PAL. “Our goal is to have kids start PAL at age 5 and keep them involved with the program through college. The police involvement builds a relationship of trust with area police officers; they are there every day interacting with the kids.”

The money is coming at the right time, she added.

“The timing couldn’t be better,” Naughton said. “When we raise money through our donors, we like as much as possible to go to direct program services, such as the educational programs. A grant like this allows us to take care of, maintain and replace equipment that’s not working and make those much needed repairs so we can put donations toward the kids.”

The AHR Expo takes place Jan. 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.