Richard Gertsch Memorial Silent Auction 2025 raised record funds

The Mining & Exploration (M&E) Division is thrilled to announce another resounding success from the 2025 Richard E. Gertsch Memorial Silent Auction held at MINEXCHANGE 2025 in Denver, CO. Through the generous support of our members and industry partners, we raised an impressive $4,810 for student scholarships — more than doubling last year’s total. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the division’s and the mining community’s commitment to supporting the next generation of mining professionals. Every dollar raised — 100 percent of the proceeds — goes directly to deserving students pursuing careers in mining and exploration fields. These scholarships are critical in helping students manage the significant financial burden of their education while attracting top talent to our industry. A decade of impact Since 2016, the M&E Division’s commitment to student support has yielded extraordinary results: $48,200 raised from the silent auctions with another $42,400 in direct contributions from our members.More than $129,000 awarded to deserving students from the M&E Division scholarship fund. These numbers represent real impact: students who can focus on their studies rather than financial stress; emerging professionals who will lead our industry forward; and a stronger mining community built on investing in our future. These totals do not include the more than $80,000 donated to the SME Foundation from the M&E General Fund in support of the SME Ph.D. Fellowship Grant program. Introducing Silent Auction Sponsorship for 2026 Building on this year’s momentum, we are excited to announce a new opportunity for MINEXCHANGE 2026: the Silent Auction Sponsorship. Organizations and individuals can now become official sponsors of the Richard E. Gertsch Memorial Silent Auction, receiving prominent recognition while amplifying their impact on student scholarships. Here is how it works: Sponsors will commit to matching all funds raised by the auction up to a maximum level, starting at $500 (though all amounts will be appreciated). Sponsors will receive full recognition as a Silent Auction Sponsor throughout the event. Sponsors will receive acknowledgment in Mining Engineering magazine and all auction materials. Sponsors will have the satisfaction of potentially doubling the auction’s impact for our deserving students. This sponsorship opportunity allows companies to demonstrate leadership in supporting mining education while receiving the recognition and prestige that comes with being a primary supporter of this important initiative. Call for 2026 auction items The momentum from 2025’s success inspires us to aim even higher for 2026. With the addition of matching sponsors, your donated items could have twice the impact. Popular items that helped us achieve this year’s success included: Scale models of mining equipment. Rare mineral specimens. Historical mining memorabilia. Mine tours and site visits. Commemorative coins and rounds. Professional sporting event tickets. Adventure and travel packages. All donations are tax-deductible and will be recognized in Mining Engineering magazine. Looking ahead to MINEXCHANGE 2026 MINEXCHANGE 2026 will return to the Salt Palace Convention Center, Feb. 22-25. The M&E Division will continue its tradition of combining scholarship fundraising with our annual luncheon, award ceremony and Jackling lecture, creating an engaging event that brings our community together for a worthy cause. With the new sponsorship opportunity, we anticipate our most successful auction yet. Thank you to our supporters The M&E Division extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the 2025 auction our most successful in recent years. Your generosity directly impacts students’ lives and helps ensure a strong future for our industry. For information about Silent Auction Sponsorship opportunities or to arrange early donation of auction items for 2026, please contact Matt Blattman at mblattman@hecla.com. Together, we are building the future of mining, one student at a time.

Richard Gertsch Memorial Silent Auction 2025 raised record funds

Authored by: Matt Blattman

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