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Mike Jones and the United Country Auction Team under the goal post October 29th at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas prior to the St. Jude Evening Under the Star Party and Auction. Left to Right: Montie Davis, Tracie Davis, Harry Daffern, Phillip Braun, Lori Jones, Mike Jones, Rob Ruhde, Mike Bullock, Matt Free.

St. Jude’s Evening Under the Star Party, Auction and Golf Tourny Raises $770,000

December 1, 2010 (Dallas, TX and Kansas City, MO) St. Jude Children’s Hospital just wrapped up their annual Evening Under the Star Party and the St. Jude/Derek Harper Golf Classic raising $770,000 for the kids of St. Jude. The golf tournament attracted big names at Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco, such as golf legend Lee Trevino and former NFL great Tim Brown. Within the same month guests had a wonderful evening at the Dallas Cowboys new turf, Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. The Evening Under the Star Party included guests taking photos with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, catching a glimpse of themselves on the Jumbo Tron and dining and dancing to Nashville singer Jo Dee Messina.

Live Auction highlights included Super Bowl XLV tickets for $10,000, St. Maarten and Cabo San Lucas trips selling for $11,000 each and the annual Give to Live campaign brought in a spirited $86,000. Professional Auctioneer Mike Jones and his United Country Auction Team conducted the Live Auction event. “There is something extra special about having this event in the most recognizable stadium in the world considering it started a decade ago in someone’s North Dallas backyard” says Jones who has conducted the auction since the beginning. Adding, “this year’s event was extremely successful and one of our best to date”.

All of these events continue to help raise awareness and funding for children with cancer. Congratulations to all the attendees, committee members, St. Jude’s, donors and everyone involved in making these North Texas events successful for St. Jude Children’s Hospital!

Auctioneer Mike Jones (center) poses with 2010 Houston Cattle Baron’s Chairman Shary Heins (left center), Lori Jones (right center) and the United Country Auction team, April 24 at the George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond. The American Cancer society event raised over $1.7 million for cancer research.

It was a record breaking night at this year’s Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball held Saturday, April 24^th at the George Ranch Historical Park. This year’s theme was “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” and according to event Co-Chair Nancy Ebanks, the Houston’s premier cancer fundraiser brought in over $1.7 million for the American Cancer Society.

The Live Auction portion of the evening brought in an impressive $409,250.00 which was $150k more than 2009 and a 10 year high according to Auctioneer Mike Jones, President of United Country Auction Services who along with his high powered team of Bid Spotters returned for their third year. “We are thrilled with this year’s Live Auction totals and the outstanding job that Mike and his team performed” remarked event Co-Chair Shary Heins. Jones and his team have already been retained to conduct next year’s event.

Heins added, “There was definitely something for everyone including live entertainment by singer Rodney Atkins, catering by Pappas, live pig races, casino gaming, “Midway” games, big board, and of course the real money makers the live and the silent auctions

Live Auction highlights included a “Route 66 Commemorative Tribute Quilt” made by pediatric patients ages 4-16 from Texas Children’s Hospital and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center $55k; Mexico trip $28,500; Cabo trip on the luxury liner Sea of Cortez $22,500; Honda Civic $19,500; Generac Backup home generator $18,500; Dinner prepared by Chef Johnny Carrabba $17k; Dancing with the Stars Hollywood trip $15k; and a Final Round at Pebble Beach $12,500.

This year the weather was picture perfect and it was a great night for a party under the stars and folks really seem to have a great time. The 23 year old Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball has now contributed over $27 million to the American Cancer Society. For more information on this event, go to cbbhouston@cancer.org and for more info on Auctioneer Mike Jones and United Country Auction Services go to www.ucauctionservices.com or www.classicauctioneers.com.

Mike Jones and Scott Swenson visit with a pre-visit emissary representing the China Association of Auctioneers

Download China Association of Auctioneers national publication. First time an American has been featured in their official auctioneering magazine.

Download this article from the NAA magazine

Download China-Association-of-Auctioneers Magazine

Lori and Mike Jones, (on right) owners of the Texas Auction Academy present a check for $109,450.75 to Dave McKee, COO of ALSAC-St. Jude on behalf of their students and instructors November 17, 2009 at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis to commemorate the total amount donated by the school to the hospital to date.

January 13, 2010 (DALLAS, TX) – Mike and Lori Jones, Owners of the Texas Auction Academy in Dallas recently returned from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis where they presented a check on behalf of their graduates and instructors in the amount of $109,405.75. The check represents the funds raised by the school since their relationship started with the hospital.

“Ever since I visited the hospital back in 1998, I have been dedicated to having the school conduct an auction each quarter to help raise money for those kids” says Mike Jones, the schools owner who added, “Reaching $100,000 is fantastic but now we have a new target ….$200,000”. Jones went on to say, “There is no way we could have accomplished this without the love, dedication and support of our great students, instructors and staff.”

The visit coincided with the NAA/St. Jude Children’s Auction held annually at the hospital and conducted by the 2009 International Auctioneer Champions. The young cancer patients of St. Jude attend the auction and buy new toys with Danny Dollars named after hospital founder Danny Thomas. The Texas Auction Academy was presented the NAA-ST. JUDE Horizon Award in 2006 for Loyal & Dedicated Service and for Keeping the Dream Alive. The next Texas Auction Academy fundraiser will be held in March during the next class session.

The Texas Auction Academy was founded in 1992 in Dallas, TX by Mike Jones, CAI, GPPA, International Auctioneer Champion and past president of the National and Texas Auctioneers Associations for the purpose of training and educating individuals interested in pursing a career as a professional auctioneer, business owner or auction company staff member. Since 1998, school graduates have conducted fundraising auctions benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. In 2006, the Texas Auction Academy was presented with the Horizon Award by St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The Texas Auction Academy is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission and is recognized as one of the leading auctioneer training schools in the world with graduates from across the U.S., and as far away as China, New Zealand and Canada. Instructors include Champion Auctioneers, Hall of Fame members, Past National and State Association leaders and successful industry specialists. Individuals interested in a career in auctioneering or the Texas Auction Academy should visit the website at www.texasauctionacademy.com or contact Lori Jones at 972-387-4200.

(Left to Right) Rocky Strickland's widow Donna Strickland, Instructor Doak Lambert, School Owners Mike and Lori Jones, Instructors Scott Swenson and Miles Autry present a check for $30,131 at the hospital December 7, 2009 commemorating the school annual donation.

The Texas Auction Academy presented Texas Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital with a check for $30,131 on December 7th. The check represents the total raised in 2009 by students and faculty members during four fundraising auctions held in conjunction with the finale of the auctioneer training course. The school had been donating to TSRCH for many years but in 2007 the school owner’s decided to donate all future proceeds to the hospital in honor of fellow auctioneer and popular instructor the late Rocky Strickland, CAI, BAS. Since the first check presentation in 2007, the future auctioneers and instructors have presented the hospital with over $55,000.

“We believe very much in the great and noble work that Texas Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital does for children. The doctors and staff are outstanding and we love to visit the hospital each year.” said Mike Jones the schools owner and Director adding, “We stress in auction school to give back to your community and help those in need. I truly believe you are blessed a hundred times over for your good deeds for others. The four auctions we do each year are not just fundraising auctions but rather life lessons for our students” adding  “My only regret is that Rocky isn’t here to see what his inspiration is doing for these children. But then again, you can feel him in the room at every auction”.

The Texas Auction Academy was founded in 1992 in Dallas, TX by Mike Jones, CAI, GPPA, International Auctioneer Champion and past president of the National and Texas Auctioneers Associations for the purpose of training and educating individuals interested in pursing a career as a professional auctioneer, business owner or auction company staff member. Since 1998, school graduates have conducted fundraising auctions benefiting Texas Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Dallas, TX. The school also helps raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and in 2006, the school was presented with the Horizon Award by St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The Texas Auction Academy is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission and is recognized as one of the leading auctioneer training schools in the world with graduates from across the U.S., and as far away as China, New Zealand and Canada. Instructors at the school include Champion Auctioneers, Hall of Fame members, Past National and State Association leaders and successful industry specialists. The Texas Auction Academy has a strategic business relationship with United Country Real Estate, Kansas City, Missouri providing auction education to real estate brokers and agents. United Country is America’s largest integrated Real Estate & Auction Company named # 1 by Dun & Bradstreet in July 2009. Individuals interested in a career in auctioneering or the Texas Auction Academy should visit the website at www.texasauctionacademy.com or contact Lori Jones at info@texasauctionacademy.com or call 972-387-4200.

Texas Auctioneers Association President Buddy Thomas presents the 2007 TAA Leadership Award to Mike Jones

Mike Jones, CAI, GPPA, President of Classic Auctioneers, Dallas, TX, United Country Auction Services, Kansas City, MO. and the Texas Auction Academy in Dallas was presented with the 2007 Leadership Award by the Texas Auctioneers Association at their 50th Anniversary Convention, held Saturday, June 16th in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Jones was recognized for his “leadership, untiring efforts, dedication and donations given to the association for the betterment of the professional auctioneer and the auction industry.” Mr. Jones is a Past President, Life Member and 1995 Texas State Champion Auctioneer. He was elected into the Texas Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame in 2005.

Mike and Lori Jones and Roger Staubach

On Sunday, March 25th, hundreds of patrons gathered in Dallas to help senior citizens in need. The event was the VNA’s (Visiting Nurses Association) inaugural event, “Wheels for Meals and More”.

Co-chaired by Dallas philanthropist’ Marianne and Roger Staubach, the event was presented by Bank of America. The evening which included a social hour and dinner, was highlighted by the Live Auction which included a “Fund-A-Cause” which raised over $100,000 to fund “Meals On Wheels” service for hungry seniors in Dallas County.

The gala had a NASCAR theme and was held in the Park Place Porsche Dealership garage. The Texas Instruments DLP Number 96 NASCAR which is owned by Hall of Fame Racing, a joint venture between former Dallas Cowboy Quarterbacks and NFL Super Bowl Hall of Famers, Staubach and Troy Aikman was on hand for the event.When it was time for the Live Auction to begin, Professional Auctioneer and President of United Country Auction Services announced “Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Bidding!” at which time the Number 96 Chevrolet was cranked up and the crowd jumped to attention.

Highlights of the auction included an autographed Talladega 2006 Nextel-Sprint Race Day Autographed Helmet for $5500, Infineon Raceway NASCAR Package in Sonoma for $6500, Cartier Ladies Watch, bought by Staubach for $6000, Texas Motor Speedway Package complete with helicopter arrival, $5000 and a Meal-A-Month for a year at Dallas’ finest restaurants brought in $5,000.

Robert P. Carpenter, President and Chief Executive Officer said that “Due to the support of Mike Jones, his team and United Country Auction Services, the VNA’s inaugural event, Wheels for Meals and More…exceeded our expectations and we are deeply grateful to you for enabling us to be the community’s provider for 3,200 men and women who count on VNA volunteers to help them maintain their health and independence.”

He added, “It is truly a life-essential program,” Mr. Carpenter said.

2007 Cattle Baron’s Ball

They may not be playing on the field at Texas Stadium anymore, but former Dallas Cowboys and NFL Super Bowl MVP Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith and Fullback turned Fox broadcaster Daryl “Moose” Johnston can still command royalty status in Dallas and it was never more apparent than on Saturday night, September 29th as dinner for 15 with the Cowboy greats at Del Frisco Double Eagle Steak House followed by an evening of No Limit Texas Hold-em fetched a whopping $100,000 at the 34th Annual Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball held at the famed Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas just north of Dallas.

Several thousand of Dallas most prominent citizens and business leaders gathered wearing their finest alligator boots and Stetson hats at the former J.R. Ewing TV ranch to raise money to fight cancer and party hard. Super Model and Omega Watch Company spokesperson Cindy Crawford joined Auctioneer Mike Jones, President of United Country Auction Services, on the Bank of America Live Auction Stage to help energize the bidding on a 50th Anniversary Omega Speedmaster watch which included a personal tour of the Johnson Space Center given by General Tom Stafford, commander of the Apollo 10 and Apollo-Soyuz missions. Final bid $17,000.

This year’s event was headlined by the 2007 Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley and supported by the loud and raucous sounds of part country duo-part circus act Big & Rich which features Dallas area native Country Rapper-Cowboy Troy. Country heart throb Paisley donated an on-stage serenade to the Live Auction that raised an additional $12,000 to the evenings cause.

Other highlights of the Live Auction included a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL63, $140,000, Monaco trip $39,500, Celebrity Chef’s Napa wine package via private jet $60,000, Masters Golf trip, $35,000, autographed Brad Paisley hat and Big & Rich guitar, $8000 and a pair of Berretta 687 EELL Gallery Shotguns with Argentine hunt for $33,500. Lucky bidders also purchased over $100,000 in fine jewels from the likes of Harry Winston, Sue Gragg, Bova Diamonds, Noble Boutique, Gregg Ruth and Bachendorf’s.

This year’s event Chairman, Dallas attorney Gina Betts remarked, “This was our biggest and best year ever with the Live and Silent Auctions grossing over $2.1 million.” Adding,“Mike Jones our Auctioneer and his entire team were amazing as always!” All in all, the event grossed over $5.5 million. The event is the world’s largest fundraiser for the American Cancer Society with over $31 million being distributed to cancer research projects in Dallas County alone.

Mike Jones and Cindy Crawford

Auctioneer Mike Jones, CAI, GPPA, President, United Country Auction Services returned for his sixth year to conduct the “Live Auction”.