Indiana-themed sports memorabilia played a significant role in Tuesday’s silent auction at The Legends Golf Club.
Framed photographs up for bidding included Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck stretching his body to its vertical maximum, Bob Knight’s legendary chair throw, and a Turn 1 view of the start of an Indianapolis 500.
Also among the 36 items were Larry Bird releasing a jump shot as a floppy-haired Indiana State Sycamore, former Purdue men’s basketball coach Gene Keady in mid-scream, an autographed Peyton Manning jersey (as a Denver Bronco) and more.
Charities benefiting from proceeds collected were Little Red Door Cancer Agency, Indiana Golf Foundation, PGA Tour Wives Association and the Steve Stricker Foundation.
Stricker, who was among those attending Tuesday’s dinner in honor of former PGA of America president Ted Bishop, created his foundation to support charities, educational initiatives and organizations aimed at building strong families and healthy children.
“There’s a company called GiveSmart and they help us facilitate an online auction, which we can actually access from this site with smart phones and things like that,” said Chris Haynes, one of the auction organizers.
“It’s just a great opportunity to go out and serve the community.”
Also on display for bidders were two Callaway golf bags. One carried the name and autograph of iconic former PGA Tour player Arnold Palmer, the other the name and signature of one Phil Mickelson.
Photographs of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson were featured, as was a framed autographed green No. 12 jersey of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“I have the opening bid for the four Pacers tickets, and that has VIP access,” Haynes said with a laugh. “It would be kind of nice to win that one.”
