March 28, 2024

YMCA hosts autograph auction Saturday

What do Betty White, John Glenn, Brett Farve, Ian McKellen and Fred Hoiberg all have in common? They’ve all signed a piece of memorabilia that will be available for purchase at this year’s Newton YMCA Annual Autograph Auction. The event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at Fore Seasons Golf, 6232 Highway S74 S. Doors open at 6 p.m.

This is the fourth annual autograph auction for the Newton YMCA, which has grown into the organization’s largest fundraising event, according to Newton YMCA Director of Finance and Human Resources Coordinator Andy Karr. Last year, the event raised more than $10,000.

The purpose of the event is to raise money to support many of the Newton YMCA’s programs including youth sports, youth swimming, child care and memberships for children whose families cannot afford them.

More than 200 autographs and memorabilia pieces will be both silent and live auctioned including autographed movie posters from Field of Dreams and Lord of the Rings and a series of cast photos signed by actors and actresses from Downton Abbey; a race-used Rusty Wallace helmet, part of the bench from the original Yankees Stadium; Iowa and ISU autographs, items from sports stars like Brett Favre, Arnold Palmer and Clayton Kershaw – even astronauts like John Glenn and Jim Lovell.

“We have something for just about everyone – from sports collectors to fans of television, movies and music and even history buffs,” Karr said.

Admission to the event is free and appetizers will be provided.

The Newton YMCA will also raffle off an autographed full-size football helmet that is signed by either an NFL Hall of Famer, Heisman Trophy winner or current NFL star. Tickets for the mystery item are $5 for one or $20 for five.

“We had about 150 people turn out for the 2013 auction and we’d love to see even more people come this year. Even if you’re not a collector, it’s fun just to check out all the cool stuff we have,” Karr said. “Best of all, those who do win an item know that 100 percent of the proceeds support the Newton YMCA and the positive things we do to help the community.”