Tue, 09/05/2017 - 13:22

The Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University, host of Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia (TPS), has partnered with New Way Air Bearings to launch #TPSHelpsHouston, a fundraising campaign to provide relief to Houston area residents affected by Hurricane Harvey. Donations will be processed by ShelterBox USA, a nonprofit that supplies aid to those displaced by disaster. All funds raised through #TPSHelpsHouston will support emergency shelter efforts in Houston and nearby regions. The campaign was initiated by New Way Air Bearings, a longtime TPS exhibitor, after the Turbo Lab announced that TPS would be rescheduled to Dec. 12-14 due to the impact of the hurricane. The event would have been held Sept. 12-14 in the George R. Brown Convention Center, where thousands of evacuees have sought shelter in the aftermath of the hurricane. “It breaks our hearts to see displaced Houstonians in the same convention center where we would be exhibiting.” said Drew Devitt, founder of New Way Air Bearings. “We want to give back to the city that has supported us during TPS for so many years, especially in this time of dire need.” New Way Air Bearings is challenging exhibitors to donate $500 for every 10-by-10-foot section of their exhibit space. If each exhibitor rises to the challenge, the campaign could raise upwards of a quarter of a million dollars. “I am thrilled that our exhibitors have been so quick to help,” said Martha Barton, director of exhibitor services for TPS. “It’s heartening to see their concern and willingness to give. We’re excited to partner with each of them to offer our friends some relief in the midst of devastation.” Visit www.shelterboxusa.org/TPS to donate now. Though #TPSHelpsHouston originated as challenge for exhibitors, anyone interested in participating is invited to contribute. #TPSHelpsHouston was launched Tuesday, Sept. 5 and will continue through Tuesday, Dec. 12. The results of the campaign will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 13 on the TPS exhibit floor. TPS wants to recognize your contribution. Get your logo on the TPS website and a shout out on social media when you forward your donation confirmation email and company logo to Brooke Conrad at bconrad@turbo-lab.tamu.edu. Donation amounts will not be publicized.