RAHC Donor Update | October 2023

It has been a little more than two months since the Real American Hardwood Coalition launched its advertising campaign on the Magnolia network. The campaign represents the first collaborative industry effort to promote Real American Hardwood® products on a national level.

The campaign ads have been successful in reaching millions of consumers each week. These results were shared in our last update, and with attendees at the NHLA’s annual convention earlier this month. In addition to sharing these results, the NHLA team also stressed the importance of maintaining the campaign’s momentum. They challenged those who have not contributed to do so now, and those who have to keep giving.  And give they did!

During the opening session, Ted Rossi from Rossi Group—along with another anonymous company—committed to match 20% of all funds received at the event, up to $425,000. During the Exhibitor Reception, Mike Ballard from Sawmill MD/Vision Tally committed 1% of sales to support the RAHC and encouraged other industry equipment and service suppliers to do the same. In addition, the HMA committed another $35,000 from its reserves and challenged other associations to increase their contributions as well. If industry associations can meet the campaign’s fundraising goals by December 15, HMA will contribute $15,000 more. These funds are in addition to HMA’s annual commitment.

As a result of these challenges, contributions from $100 to $25,000 were received, totaling more than $200,000. This means that the RAHC will be receiving matching funds of $40,000 to continue its efforts to promote Real American Hardwood® products on behalf of our industry.

While this is tremendous progress, the RAHC still needs $1.4 million annually to continue the campaign and maintain the momentum it has generated, as well as start the process of outreach to architects, designers, and builders. The need has never been greater, our industry has never been more united, and our efforts have never been more successful. Help the RAHC spread the word about Real American Hardwood®. Donate today at https://realamericanhardwood.org/contribution-form/.