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By Mark Mathis
The stars turned-out on "9/9/99." Kevin Costner, George Bush, Dorothy Hamill, Tiger Woods, even Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. They were all at Brett Favre's Steakhouse for the Foundation's biggest fund raising effort to date.
They weren't there in person. It was their autographs that more than three-hundred turned-out to see and, in many cases, take home. The first-ever Celebrity Autograph Auction was like nothing Northeast Wisconsin had seen before. From Packer fans to history buffs, there was something for everyone--more than sixty items up for auction. At many points, the bidding was fast and furious.
A glance at the auction catalog revealed a collection of signed memorabilia that took three years to assemble. The items ranged from the historic--an envelope carried by Charles Lindbergh on the 50th anniversary of his momentous flight--to the tragic--photographs signed by the late Princess Diana and John F. Kennedy Jr.
There was a scale rocket signed by Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, a flag from the Masters golf tournament autographed by champion Tiger Woods and a movie poster signed by "Pretty Woman" co-stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. Still, the piece that took center stage was the rarest--an envelope signed by Abraham Lincoln. When the bidding was over, the 16th President's signature had sold for an amazing $13,000.
Collecting autographs was something Brian and his family enjoyed doing together, so it seemed fitting an auction like this should help Brian's legacy live-on, said Doug LaViolette, Brian's father.
The date 9/9/99 was also chosen for its significance. Doug will always remember a conversation he had with Brian on 8/8/88. The two promised to get together the next time the numbers aligned, but in a twist of terrible irony, Brian was lost exactly four years later, on 8/8/92.
At the auction, Brian was remembered with a song written in his honor by family friend Chris Wood and performed by musician David Seering. 1998 scholarship recipient Mark Gaulke addressed the crowd, recalling the pride he felt having been chosen. The night did not end, though, until the most important autograph of all was auctioned away--a signature belonging to Brian himself.
"Exciting" and "unique" were some of the words used to describe the event, but much of the praise also went to the auctioneer. Darrel Burnett serves on the Foundation's selection board, and after his performance on the podium, he may have just found a second career.
Each guest took away a box of chocolates and the fulfillment of knowing their contribution will help shape another generation of leaders. In all, the event raised more than $100,000, more than meeting expectations, and leading many to wonder "what will they think of next?"
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