Variety of items on fund-raiser auction block
CONNELLSVILLE – Where can one obtain a signed Thomas Kinkade print or VIP passes to tour of several government buildings of Washington, D.C., without leaving Connellsville? The answer – at the 3rd Annual Collectible/Celebrity Support The Troops Auction being hosted by the Connellsville Area High School Patriots on May 3 at the Connellsville Elks.
“There are autographed books from authors, including Dean Koontz, Gen. Tommy Franks, Sean Hannity, Tammy Faye Bakker Messner and Dan Quayle, just to name a few,” said Linda Shearer, teacher and organization sponsor. “There is autographed sports memorabilia from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, Texas Tech’s own Bob Knight and Connellsville legend Johnny Lujack.
“There are pictures, T-shirts, posters and other autographed collectibles from actors, musicians, athletes and even former (Great Britain) Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.”
The auction proceeds assist the Patriots’ twice yearly mission of sending care packages to soldiers.
Since its founding in 2003, the organization has shipped 3,150 packages valued at approximately $129,000, said Shearer.
“This has been a true labor of love,” she added. “I don’t know of any other volunteer group, consisting primarily of students in this area or any nearby area who has responded to freedom’s call in quite this manner.”
Through the auctions, the group has raised approximately $18,500 to defray the costs tied to the spring and Christmas package deployment.
FOX News, President George W. Bush, the Pennsylvania Senate, the Connellsville Elks, the American Legion and numerous commanding officers and military units have recognized the Patriots’ efforts.
While the local and national coverage has been rewarding, said Shearer, it has been the e-mails, letters and photographs from the soldiers who have received the packages that have brought the most joy to the group.
“Many of the recipients we do not know,” she said. “Whomever they are, they know that the CAHS Patriots appreciate what they are doing for our country.”
The auction will be held at the Elks, located at 140 E. Crawford Ave., beginning at 6 p.m. with Sam and Mark Glassburn serving as auctioneers.
For a complete list of donors and items, visit the organization’s Web site at www.cahspatriots.com