Woodcraft project raises $6,000 for Fresh Wood

Woodcraft and its customers donated more than $6,000 in 2013 to support Fresh Wood, a student competition at the AWFS fair, according to the retailer.

In April 2012, Woodcraft invited customers to join the company in supporting Fresh Wood by making donations that Woodcraft would match up to $10,000, and in January 2013, Woodcraft said it gave Fresh Wood a check for $4,260.

“Woodcraft is pleased to be able to give Fresh Wood a larger check this year – $6,186 from 2013 donations,” Woodcraft president Jody Garrett said in a statement. “Woodcraft will continue the Fresh Wood project in 2014 in an effort to keep woodworking as a viable career choice for future generations.”

Founded by the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers in 1999, Fresh Wood promotes woodworking and design education programs, as well as students pursuing careers in these fields. Held in conjunction with the AWFS fair every two years, the Fresh Wood competition offers a place for students to showcase their work, be introduced to the industry as artists, designers and woodworkers, and be exposed to industry career opportunities. In addition, winners take home monetary and tool awards.

“We awarded over $19,000 in prize money for Fresh Wood 2013, and thanks to Woodcraft contributions, we were able to increase all prize check amounts by over 25 percent per prize level. A portion of the funds was also used to offset the costs of travel and hotel allowances for the Fresh Wood finalists and their instructors attending the AWFS fair,” AWFS assistant director of education Adria Torrez said.