Plains Presidential Auction set for Saturday night

PLAINS — In an effort to preserve and maintain the boyhood home of former President Jimmy Carter and the community he loves dearly, the Plains Better Hometown Program is hosting its Plains Presidential Auction at 7 p.m. Saturday in the downtown Plains Community Center.

The auction, which both the president and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, will attend, has become an annual tradition in Carter’s hometown. It is the community’s largest fundraiser, according to Plains Better Hometown Program Executive Director Ruth Sanders.

“It’s our largest money maker,” Sanders said. “The specific purpose is to preserve the home of the 39th president, but all the proceeds go to benefit Plains, to keep it up and looking good. When people come to visit, we want them to know why he loves this little town.”

Sanders said the both the silent and live auctions will be filled with a variety of items, including rare photographs and other memorabilia, most of which has been signed and donated by the Carters or others in the community. There also is a variety of event packages that give bid winners a chance to spend time with the presidential family.

Sanders said a few dinners with the Carters will be auctioned off, as well as a quail hunt for four with the former president and a fishing trip organized by Carter’s sister-in-law Sybil Carter, Billy Carter’s widow.

“These events are the neatest things we do,” said Sanders. “It’s a huge opportunity. They are always so gracious with their time.”

Ticket prices to the event are determined by seating, with the most expensive tickets placing an attendee just a row behind the former world leader. Tickets are $25, $50, $75, and $100. All tickets include free drinks, and light refreshments. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Sanders at (229) 824-5373 or (229) 938-3835 or via email at [email protected].

The live auction will be conducted by Ben Hudson of Hudson and Marshall Auction House in Macon. Sanders said for those who aren’t able to attend, bid sheets are available here and can completed and emailed or faxed in ahead of time.