Proceeds from an Emerson silent auction are going to Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance to U.S. troops and their families.

At a silent auction held in conjunction with Emerson’s annual wholesaler conference, G.W. Berkheimer Co. Inc. placed the highest bid on an original piece of artwork by artist Richard Hight. Emerson has pledged to match G.W. Berkheimer’s bid, making a total donation of $4,000 to Operation Homefront.

“Our customers are not only successful HVACR industry leaders, but are also generous and compassionate members of their communities, going above and beyond to help others,” said Bob Labbett, vice president of marketing for Emerson Climate Technologies Distribution Services. “We are truly pleased as an organization to have been able to contribute to such an important cause.”

The recipient of the donation, Operation Homefront, was founded after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The organization has raised over $5 million dollars, sending more than 20,000 care packages to troops overseas while providing financial aid to military families in need and assisting soldiers upon their return from war.

“When we were presented the chance to give back to such a worthy group, we were on board right away,” said Brian Cobble, president of G.W. Berkheimer. “The silent auction was a great success and we look forward to future opportunities to join Emerson in supporting our communities.”