Winter Weekend Auctions Hit All-Time Record, Raise $1.7 Million for Peace, Health Work

$1.7 Million Raised for Center's Peace, Health Initiatives

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Crested Butte, Colo....A cabinet handcrafted by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter sold for a record $1 million at the 14th annual Carter Center Winter Weekend live auction, which benefits the organization's work to advance peace and health worldwide. The high bid is widely considered to be the most spent for any item made by a head of state in history, raising the live auction total to $1,653,600.

The winning bid was made by John and Becky Moores. John Moores has served on the Center's Board of Trustees since 1994 and recently was elected chairman.

"Having worked with Jimmy and Rosalynn for over a decade, my wife, Becky, and I are pleased to have this opportunity to express our admiration and commitment to the Carters' work through The Carter Center," he said.

"This contribution brings us even closer to the eradication of Guinea worm and the control of river blindness diseases worldwide. Also, it will help us continue to spread democratic principles and practices as the Center resolves conflicts, observes elections, and establishes freedom of information standards for people in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America," he added.

The weekend's silent auction also set a new record, raising $47,651 with an unprecedented number of online bids. The two auctions combined to raise $1,701,251. The Winter Weekend auctions culminated at Club Med Crested Butte.

Some of the other top bids for items in the live auction were:

• $67,500 for a one week cruise aboard a private yacht
• $52,500 for a Sam Maloof pedestal table
• $42,500 for a gold-sheathed Indonesian dagger
• $40,000 for a print of President Carter's painting of the Center's Japanese Garden

View all winning bids for the live and silent auction catalog items.

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

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NOTE: Limited news media interviews are available with President Carter or John Moores. Please use contact information above to make a request.

Based in Atlanta, 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.

Photo: Tom Stillo

John Moores (seated) and Becky Moores, pictured with President Carter, placed the winning bid for the former president's handmade cabinet. Also pictured is John Hardman (right), executive director of The Carter Center. The annual Winter Weekend auction raised a record $1.7 million for the Center's peace and health work.