Gov. John Engler is doing his part to raise money for the survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorism victims online.
Engler is participating in the Auction for America, an Internet auction fund-raiser on eBay, the world’s largest online auction house. The program is designed to raise $100 million in 100 days. Engler donated five items, including an initialed MSU jacket and a hockey stick signed by MSU hockey coach Ron Mason.
Engler and other governors posted items online Monday with hopes of bringing in money to those affected by the attacks in New York and Washington.
“I think it is great,” Mason said. “Any time that we in athletics can help in any way, in the community or nationally, we are more than happy to do it.
“We are happy to be a part of it.”
In addition to the two MSU items, Engler donated a 1996-97 Detroit Red Wings championship jersey, an Oklahoma Sooners national championship football autographed by coach Bob Stoops and a hand-stitched teddy bear, with the governor’s name embroidered on the pocket.
“The governor has collected items over the years and was happy to donate items for the auction,” said Matt Resch, an Engler spokesman. “The Michigan State Spartans are well represented, it looks like.”
The auction was initiated on Sept. 17 by New York Gov. George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. All eBay fees are waived, and all proceeds will go to charities, including the September 11th Fund and the Twin Towers Fund. Items in the special auction are marked to show inclusion in the effort.
“This is a creative idea that the governor of New York and Mayor Giuliani had,” Resch said. “It is a way for people all over the country to get involved and help relief efforts in New York and Washington.”
There are no eligibility requirements to participate, and all proceeds are donated to the victims. In the first 72 hours of the program, more than 30,000 items were listed on the site.
“This unbearable tragedy has brought out the best in New Yorkers and people from around the world and has proven that every single individual can make a difference,” Pataki said in a statement. “EBay has stepped up in an unprecedented way, providing yet another example of how New Yorkers and people throughout the world are coming together to support the victims of this horrible attack.”
EBay is also hosting the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” motorcycle auction. Leno is auctioning a 2001 Harley-Davidson autographed by such celebrities as Earvin “Magic” Johnson to benefit victims. Bidding for the bike has already reached $225,000 and closes Wednesday.
The auction can be accessed at www.ebay.com.
