Fundraising

The Third Annual Hope Gala Benefiting Operation Kindness, April 17, 2011, Sambuca 360, Plano, Texas. Front Row (L to R): Nikki Walker, Development Director and Julie Goff, Special Events Manager. Back Row (L to R): Rob Ruhde, Montie Davis, Lawrence Bock, Bachendorf’s Fine Jewelers, Auctioneer Mike Jones, United Country Auction Services and Classic Auctioneers, Lori Jones, Sherwin Daryani, Exec. Director.

Plano, TX — Nothing short of magical could describe The Third Annual Hope Gala Benefiting Operation Kindness at Sambuca 360 in Plano, Texas Sunday evening April 17th.

The Live Auction and Fund-the-Mission raised $57,900 in 2010 and this year’s event organizers were reluctant to make predictions about 2011. However, any concerns they may have had faded quickly as those in attendance eliminated any need for worry.

There were six items offered in the Live Auction and things were moving along according to plan. Dinner for 20 at Capital Grille brought in $2,700, Napa Trip $6,000, diamond necklace $7,000 and then the tide changed for the night as item number six, a dining package to some of Dallas’ best restaurants sold for $5,250 to bidder number 132 who responded with “Sell it again!” donating the package back. The second high bidder number 179 also gave $5,250 and proceeded to donate it back. The third high bidder gave $5,500 for the package, and once again, they donated it back as did the next bidder who also gave $5,500. Ultimately, the Dallas dining package sold two more times for $4,000 each, bringing in an amazing $29,500 for a dining package valued at $1,745.

Auctioneer Mike Jones of United Country Auction Services and Classic Auctioneers had a lot of fun with the process and praised the crowd commenting “in my 32 years, this is the first time I have had an item bring in over $5,000 and have it donated back six times.” After the dust settled, the Live Auction and Fund-the-Need brought in $99,900. Hearing the auction total, Jones made the announcement to the crowd and offered up the final $100 to take the auction total to the $100,000 mark.

Operation Kindness is the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in North Texas. Since 1976, Operation Kindness has found loving new homes for more than 65,000 unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs. This year’s event was the single largest fundraiser Operation Kindness has ever held.

About United Country Auction Services, Auctioneer Mike Jones and Classic Auctioneers
United Country Auction Services is a division of United Country Real Estate, the nation’s largest integrated real estate and Auction Company. Established in 1925, United Country supports over 600 offices nationwide, operates over 1300 real estate websites, publishes seven real estate catalogs, maintains an extensive buyer database and is seen by approximately 90 million potential buyer prospects per week. United Country has been recognized by The Land Report as the #1 Auction House in America, Top 25 Franchise by the Wall Street Journal and Top 200 Ranking by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500®. The United Country mission statement includes philanthropy and community support as a major component of corporate success and works with Classic Auctioneers to realize that commitment. To learn more about United Country Auction Services go to www.ucauctionservices.com or www.classicauctioneers.com to learn more about Auctioneer Mike Jones and his Team.

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.

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.

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.