Snowbird, Utah....The Carter Center's annual Winter Weekend auction held Feb. 22 in Snowbird, Utah, raised $1,097,485 to help support the Center's work to advance peace and health worldwide.

Based in Atlanta, Ga., The Carter Center is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in 1982. The Center has helped to improve the lives of millions of people in more than 65 countries.

"Rosalynn and I are grateful for the support our partners and friends show for the Center during our annual auction each year," said President Carter. "Their enthusiasm and belief in our mission inspires us and our staff at The Carter Center as we work to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope around the world."

The highest bids were: $275,000 for a walnut coffee table handmade by President Carter; $165,000 for a baseball signed by Cuba President Fidel Castro and President Carter during his historic trip to Cuba in May 2002; $70,000 for a one-week vacation on a luxury yacht; and $65,000 for a photo of five presidents and six first ladies autographed by each of them.

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