HOLLYWOOD, FL — GAWDA President Robert Anders of Holston Gases, his wife Missy, and his son Kyle presented a check for $326,949.38 to the Malama Family Recovery Center during the Opening General Business Session of the 2023 Annual Convention at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui, HI.

GAWDA Gives Back, an initiative by the association, selects a non-profit organization in the host city of the Annual Convention to receive a donation. In this case, the Malama Family Recovery Center was chosen due to its vital role in providing residential treatment for mothers and their children on the island of Maui. By addressing addiction and ending the cycle of abuse, Malama is making a significant impact in the community.

As one grateful client of Malama shared, “Now, I am sober and have my children back in my care. I am accountable and responsible for all my actions. I am also blessed because I am working at Malama Family Recovery Center, and I am able to give to others what was freely given to me.”  The cause of ending substance abuse is personally significant to Robert and Missy Anders, who have witnessed its impact firsthand in their own lives.

The 2023 Annual Convention saw an impressive turnout of over 1,160 attendees, surpassing the previous record for GAWDA over the past 23 years.

GAWDA would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to all members who generously donated to the Malama Family Recovery Center. A special acknowledgment goes to those members who organized additional drives to raise further contributions. GAWDA remains committed to supporting organizations like Malama that strive for positive change in their communities.

For more information about GAWDA and its initiatives, please visit www.gawda.org

About GAWDA

For over 75 years, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) has been dedicated to promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment supplies. Through its GAWDA Gives Back campaign, association members have donated almost $2 million over the last 23 years to over 20 different charitable organizations in 14 communities across the U.S. Since 2013, GAWDA and its members also have provided scholarships over $430,000 to 133 young people interested in studies leading to careers in the industry. For more information, visit the association’s website at www.gawda.org.