Location change for the UWJC auction

The United Way of Jasper County Authograph & Experience Auction will now be at the Elks Lodge, 111 E. Second St. S. in Newton.

The event will still begin at 7 p.m. with the doors open at 6 p.m.

About the Event

"The auction is something unique for central Iowa because every item is autographed or is a unique experience you can’t just go and buy,” said Jessica Lowe, UWJC executive director.

The auction will be in its second year raising funds for the United Way, and features hundreds of signed items and unique experiences to be auctioned off in live and silent auctions. The event drew nearly 150 people from around Iowa in 2015.

“We have a little bit of everything this year from sports icons to people who have shaped history,” Lowe said. “I think the auction features some of the most unique items I’ve been able to collect so far.”

Items include an autograph from Jack Haley, who played the Tin Man in “Wizard of Oz,” a full-size helmet signed by Frank Gifford, a print from P. Buckley Moss, a “Spartacus” poster signed by 99-year-old Kirk Douglas, Cubs great Billy Williams signed baseball bat, “Batman” star Burt Ward signed photo and guitar pick guards signed by John Mellencamp and Rick Springfield. Also available are a variety of “experiences” including an Iowa Speedway fan pack, either a race experience or a tour of the State Capitol with Sen. Chaz Allen, and an Iowa Cubs Fan Experience that involves throwing out the first pitch and getting to shoot the hot dog gun at a 2017 game.

The auction began out of Lowe’s hobby of collecting autographs. She said she realized the auction would be something completely different from other fundraisers and began contacting individuals for donations. The event has grown annually and raised thousands of dollars for Jasper County charities while offering collectibles to the public.

“I’ve collected autographs for as long as I can remember and love the history that is involved with each piece,” Lowe said. “I think that is why the auction is so popular. People can own something from the ballplayer they looked up to as a kid or have a photo signed by their favorite actress. It is something people connect to. It is neat to hear why people buy the things they buy.”

Lowe said everyone is welcome to attend and can bid by registering the night of the auction. A detailed list of items can be found at www.facebook.com/events/993089337477271/.

“It is a fun night. I’ve organized a number of events and this is by far my favorite,” she said. “There is something for everyone whether you like ‘M*A*S*H’ or Vikings football, you enjoy sports or history or watching movies. New things come in every day and just adds to the variety that will be up for grabs. I hope people will come and check it out. You never know what you might find.”