Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
From travel packages to autographed helmets, the auction has more than 150 items up for bid.
By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published June 29, 2002
LECANTO -- The Key Training Center's 20th Annual Run for the Money Dinner and Celebrity Auction on July 19 will feature more than 150 varied and unique items.
This year's auction items include travel and entertainment packages, fine jewelry and art, and autographed celebrity photographs and sports memorabilia.
Proceeds from the Key Center event provide services to Citrus County residents with developmental disabilities.
Sport collectibles include autographed items from Tiger Woods, Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken, Curt Shilling, Mike Hampton, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.
A commemorative 2002 Masters golf tournament flag autographed by Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and 23 other Masters winners will be auctioned. Florida Gator and Seminole fans will have the chance to own their favorite team's football helmet autographed by the players of the 2000 teams.
Many other items will be auctioned including a dinner for eight prepared by chef Robert Stanhope at the winner's home; a Thomas Kinkade Wind of the Spirit framed painting, a sculpted egret by local artist Pete Rachel and a Duchess of York Little Red doll autographed by Sarah Ferguson.
Travel packages including accommodations, activities and dining will be available for Homosassa, Crystal River, Tampa, Clearwater, Sanford, Orlando and St. Augustine.
The silent auction also features celebrity autographed photos.
This year's lineup includes Tommy LaSorda, Tim McGraw, Jennifer Aniston, Garfield (Jim Davis), Jay Leno, Tim Allen, former President George Bush and first lady Barbara Bush, Jim Carrey, Chris Evert, Monte Irvin, Randy Travis, Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis and others.
An assortment of fine jewelry, paintings, and home accent pieces from Mikasa and Oneida also will be featured.
"Awaken The Hero Within" is the theme for this year's dinner and auction to be held at St. Michaels Greek Orthodox Church on State Road 44 in Lecanto. The social hour and silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. with the buffet dinner starting at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are available at $50 per person.
The Key runners will leave Tallahassee on July 22 and return to the Key Center in Lecanto on July 27. A fundraising telethon will be held that day from the Key Center's television studio.
Call the Key Center Foundation at 564-1440. The Key Training Center provides daily living and social skills, job training, life-sustaining care and residential services to nearly 260 clients with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities in Citrus County.