Oriental rug importers to set up charitable auction at Atlanta market

With an eye toward helping needy children in the world's major carpet weaving districts, The Oriental Rug Importers Association plans to hold a silent auction at this year's Atlanta International Area Rug Market. Taking place July 16-17 at AmericasMart Atlanta, the auction will feature 20 to 30 one-of-a-kind, hand-knotted rugs donated by ORIA members, with proceeds going directly to the organization's Charitable Fund Benefiting Children.

Open to all attendees, the auction is slated to begin 9 a.m. July 16 in the MOI Gallery, located on the fourth floor of AmericasMart in 4B1. The event will end at 5 p.m. the following day. Winners will be announced during the Atlanta Rug Market, a twice yearly showcase for rug manufacturers and importers, taking place July 16-19.

For information on the ORIA Charitable Fund, e-mail Lucille Laufer, ORIA's executive director, at llaufer@oria.org. For more information on the Atlanta Rug Market call (800) ATL-MART or visit the website at www.AmericasMart.com.