Benefit

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 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”.

Mike Jones and Charlie Daniels raise money for St. Jude

Back in 2002 an auction of a few items to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at a party held in a North Dallas backyard brought in about $7000. Fast forward to late 2007 and the little party has become a major fundraising event for the Memphis based hospital which now includes a celebrity golf tournament, big name entertainment and an auction that has become the focal point of the party. The weeklong festivities were highlighted by the annual St. Jude “Evening Under The Stars” party held October 25th at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel resulting in total proceeds topping $917,000.

“It was the best we’ve ever had” said Joe Haggar, patriarch of the Haggar Clothing Company who has been involved since the start and helped organize the first event. Haggar, a member of the original St. Jude Hospital board which entertainer Danny Thomas helped form, is still a member today. Whatever I can do to help these kids is what we are all about and I receive far more from it than I what I give”, Adding, “We are so fortunate to have good people like Charlie Daniels, Event Chairman Michael Gruber, golf Chairman Derek Harper and Auctioneer Mike Jones helping us to make this such a huge success.

This year’s featured entertainment was Country Music and Southern Rock Star Charlie Daniels who flew in from Nashville to perform at Mr. Haggar’s request. Daniels, on a tight time line, performed and immediately headed back to Love Field for a private plane ride back to Nashville to record a new album the next morning. Backstage, Haggar thanked Daniels for traveling to Dallas, Daniels was quick to respond said “you don’t need to thank me, I should be thanking you for getting me involved with St. Jude.” Daniels, the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry and best known for his country hits like The Devil Went Down To Georgia, The South’s Gonna Do It Again and Uneasy Rider also serves on the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Professional Advisory Board.

Professional Auctioneer and Dallas area resident Mike Jones, President of United Country Auction Services and his team returned again to conduct the Live Auction. There is no way I would miss this one Jones said. Anytime Mr. Haggar calls you to do something, you don’t turn him down, he is one of my favorite people” he added. This year’s Live Auction highlights included a golf outing described as Golf Heaven for Eight via Private Jet to Kohler, Wisconsin brought in $60,000, Dancing With The Stars California trip $19,000, Private Party for 100 with 22 piece orchestra at the Dallas Arboretum $14,500, Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins trip fetched $9,000, Black South Seas Pearl Earrings $9000, Samsung 500 NASCAR Racing Package from Roger Staubach and Hall of Fame Racing $8500, Palm Springs Golf Outing $8500, Crested Butte Ski Accommodations for 20 $7500, Meet Dirk Nowitski Package $5500 and a Football signed by Hall of Fame Quarterbacks signed by Staubach, Montana and Archie and Peyton Manning fetched $5500. All told, the evening festivities brought in over $317,000.

The St. Jude staff and volunteers are already gearing up for another great event in 2008.

The Dallas Mavericks found the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to be the perfect place to be on March 21st as the NBA team celebrated by supporting the community at the 4th Annual Dallas Mavericks Foundation Tux & Tennies Gala, presented by Stanford Private Wealth Management. The event was a huge success with over Five Hundred Thousand Dollars being raised for the foundation.

The event was emceed by Dallas Mavericks guard Jason “The Jet Is On the Runway” Terry who showed that there is a network job waiting for him when his career has ended. He was assisted at the microphone by team President and CEO Turdema Ussery. All of the Dallas Mavericks players were in attendance. Also in attendance was Todd Wagner, former Broadcast.com partner of Mark Cuban and head honcho of 2929 Entertainment. Todd is also a philanthropist in his own right through The Todd Wagner Foundation. Also in attendance were former Dallas Mavs Eric Strickland, Rolando Blackman and Popeye Jones.

The Live Auction was the highlight of the night with Professional Auctioneer and President of United Country Auction Services officiating over the hilarious and spirited bidding. Auctioneer Jones, mixed it up with Terry and at times would prompt “The Jet” to encourage his fellow NBA players to “bid it up” to help those who needed help the most. Between the two of them, they were able to bring in over $200,000 with just four items. These were certainly not average items though and the bidding was spirited. One of the most beautiful items ever offered in a fundraising event was a one of a kind full size Swarovski Crystal Basketball autographed by league MVP Dirk Nowitzki which sold for $64,000, an evening with Jerry and Ramira Stackhouse at Dean Fearing’s new restaurant Fearings followed by a night at the Dallas Ritz-Carlton sold for $27,000, a rare collector bottle of Hennessey cognac brought in a whopping $20,000 but the highlight of the Live Auction was an MVP basketball clinic with 2007 NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and assistant coach Joe Prunty which fetched an evening high $100,000.

The night was fun and meaningful for everyone as Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks Foundation was able to make significant contributions to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital- received funding to purchase adapted daily living and mobility equipment., Vogel Alcove-received funding for their play therapy for homeless children, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth-received funding for their New Lives/New Beginnings Childcare Program, Spirit Horse Therapeutic Riding Center-received funding to purchase adapted daily living and mobility equipment horseback riding lessons and scholarships for children with disabilities, Community Partners of Dallas-received funding to help stock their Rainbow Room which serves more than 6,000 youth annually ages 0-17, The Family Place-received funding with new playground equipment and Kidney Texas-received funding for Camp Reynal at Camp John Marc in Meridian, Texas.

Photo: United Country Auction Services President Mike Jones and auction team members Rob Ruhte, Montie Davis and Phillip Braun gather next to the #96 DLP Texas Instruments sponsored car co-owned by Hall of Fame Racing’s Super Bowl quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. The NASCAR themed event was held in the garages of Park Place Porsche in Dallas for the Visiting Nurse Association fundraising auction held March 30th. The Live Auction raised over $108,000 for the group.

As United Country Auction Services President Mike Jones announced “Ladies & Gentlemen”…”Start Your Bidding” right on cue, NASCAR #96 roared to life in the garages of Park Place Porsche in Dallas, the crowd that gathered on Sunday evening March 30th knew it was time to raise some money for a great cause. The hot electric blue car is sponsored by DLP Texas Instruments and the Hall of Fame Racing team co-owned by Super Bowl quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.

The event presented by Bank of America was the 2008 Wheels for Meals & More fundraiser benefiting the Visiting Nurse Association. This is the 3rd year that the United Country Auction team has conducted the Live Auction which in 2007 helped provide one or more health care services to over 15,000 individuals, 2,042 received home health care, 4,913 people received home-delivered meals Monday through Friday each week, 1,200 seniors were served meals five days a week at Senior Centers, 640 preschool children received meals each weekday and VNA Meals on Wheels prepared a total of 1,635,795.

This year’s Live Auction Highlights included a 12 month dining experience at 16 of Dallas’ finest restaurants that garnered $7500, a collection of autographed NASCAR 1:24 die cast cars with names like Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and others with a custom oak case $4,000, Texas Motor Speedway Package for two complete with helicopter transportation, pit passes and hosted by event chairs Marianne Staubach and Mary Templeton $5,000, Cartier Trinity Ring $9000, Beretta White Onyx 12 Gauge Shotgun with Bird Hunt $7,000 and an Infineon Sonoma NASCAR Race Weekend $6,000.

Auctioneer Jones then conducted the “Fund-A-Need” VNA Style, portion of the program which brought in an additional $69,600. Totals from the Live Auction and “Fund-A-Need” program brought in over $108,000 for the group whose mission is to Feed the hungry, Enable the disabled, Care for the sick, Promote health in the communities they serve, and Comfort patients and their families at the end of life.

It was another great year for VNA and United Country Auction Services was proud to be a part of this year’s program as in the past.

Auctioneer Mike Jones and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert

 

One of the best parties in Dallas took place on April 29, 2008 @ Gilley’s Dallas courtesy of the Episcopal School of Dallas. Donned in their cowboy hats, boots and finest western attire, the parents, teachers and guests of one of the cities premier private schools raised funds for the Parent Teachers Association and danced the night away to the music of country music traditionalist Clint Black.

The room was filled with Dallas notables and celebrity parents including Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, Dallas Cowboys, COO, Executive VP and Director of Player Personnel Stephen Jones, CBS football color commentator and former Cowboy fullback Daryl “Moose” Johnston and many others.

The evening kicked off with the Silent Auction and moved quickly to the Live Auction with Professional Auctioneer Mike Jones, President of United Country Auction Services presiding. No stranger to ESD, Jones a 30 year veteran of the fundraising scene in Dallas used his rapid fire chant to kick off the auction with a trip to Belize which fetched $5000 quickly followed by “His & Hers” Beretta shotguns that brought in $19,000. As Jones’ professional bid spotters excitedly worked the room, a trip to Puerto Vallarta sold for $17,500, Headmaster for the Day reeled in $22,000, a Ford Mustang autographed by designer and fellow Texan Carroll Shelby brought in $37,500 and a Ford F-250 donated by Rodeo Ford and represented by Dallas actor and Blazing Saddles Star Burton Gilliam sold for $42,000.

The Live Auction closed out with Jones selling $10,000 dollars worth of signature ESD Hot Sauce. The total for the Live Auction brought in well over $200,000 for the ESD Parent Teacher’s Association. Auction Chairman Gina Betts was ecstatic and remarked “the Live Auction went flawless and that’s why if I am chairing an event there is only one auction group working for me and that’s Mike Jones and his team”. Final numbers for the entire event were not available at press time but when asked how they thought things went, event Co-Chairs Kim Konradi and Bonnie Mahoney displayed their pleasure with big smiles and both gave a big thumb’s up.

Members of the cast from the television show Dallas including Larry Hagman aka J.R. Ewing, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray gather around United Country Auction Services President Mike Jones and wife Lori at the Dallas 30th Anniversary Cast Reunion & Ewing Barbeque held Saturday, November 8th at the Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas. United Country Auction Services sponsored the event and conducted a benefit auction on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National Kidney Foundation and A Strong Voice for Green Initiatives.