Red Cross auction set for March
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on February 4, 2009 1:46 PM
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Preparing items for the sixth annual Red Cross sports memorabilia auction are, from left, George Whitfield, co-chairman; Clyde King, honorary co-chairman; and Wes Waller, co-chairman. Items up for bid include signed memorabilia from UNC basketball coach Roy Williams, Florida Gator's quarterback Tim Tebow and many others.
The sixth annual sports memorabilia auction will be held March 5 at Lane Tree Golf Club.
It is a fundraiser for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Tickets are $30 per person and $300 for a table. The event will include a meal catered by Outback Steakhouse and an auction.
This year's chairmen are George Whitfield and Wes Waller. They have gathered items from across the county for the auction.
"We start collecting items for the next event almost as soon as the current auction ends," said Waller. And this year's auction was no different.
"We hit the trail looking for items the end of March last year and are still working on them right now."
Among the items that will be up for bid are a basketball signed by the Duke's men's team, items signed by former N.C. State coach Jim Valvano, current UNC basketball coach Roy Williams, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow.
Also on the auction block will be many non sports items.
"Due to the immense popularity of our gift items at last year's auction, we have made a concentrated effort to expand our selection for the ladies this year," said Samia Garner, director of development.
The auction is part of the chapter's Heroes Campaign.
"While it's nice to come out and enjoy a meal and have a good time, at the end of the day it is all about raising the dollars necessary to meet the needs right here in Wayne County," said Chuck Waller, Red Cross director.
"You never know when someone will need blood, CPR or first aid. You never know when there will be an emergency in one of our military hero's families or when a neighbor's home will burn to the ground. When all is said and done, that is what the evening is all about."
Tickets may be purchased at the Red Cross chapter, 600 N. George St., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.