Virtual Carter Center Weekend Fundraiser Brings in More than $2 Million

ATLANTA (Aug. 31, 2020) — The first-ever virtual Carter Center Weekend fundraiser brought in just over $2,012,000 in donations and auction sales.

The 70-some items in this year’s online auction included fine art, jewelry, and priceless memorabilia. The highest bid was for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s original oil painting “Cardinals,” which sold for $340,000.

“We are so grateful to everyone who watched our broadcast on Saturday night, bid on auction items, or donated funds,” said Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander. “These are difficult days for many people across the globe, and it means a lot that so many of you gave so generously to help make it possible for us to continue waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope.”

The donated money included a $100,000 challenge grant for the Mental Health Program, which generated an additional $123,000 for the program.

The auction item that received the highest number of bids was a baseball signed by Joe DiMaggio that ultimately sold for $3,055. Items that drew top bids included:

• Autographed photo of five presidents: $38,500
• Signed photograph of former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and President Carter: $25,811
• Three large wood bowls made by Russ Filbeck: $25,000
• Vintage typewriter owned by Tom Hanks: $18,750
• Autographed photo of six first ladies: $15,000

All winning bids are available here.

People who want to watch a recording of Saturday night’s broadcast to learn more about the Center’s work can do so here.

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Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org

Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.