Bids Skyrocket as Charity Auction Gets Underway

Kennedy Space Center, FL – Over 380 bidders have signed up for a charity space auction, raising more than $42,000 thus far in the nonprofit Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s Astronaut Experiences & Memorabilia Auction. It’s not too late to place your bids; log online at www.astronautscholarship.org/auction and bid today.

The auction, which opened Friday, April 30, showcases unique one-on-one astronaut experiences, space artifacts, and memorabilia donated or autographed by more than 80 legendary astronauts, such as John Glenn – the first American to orbit the Earth – and Apollo 13 Commander James Lovell.

Forty stellar lots are now up for grabs, including a private dinner with Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, a deep-sea fishing trip with Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter, authentic equipment used on the moon and so much more!

“The astronaut experiences offered in this auction are a great way for us astronauts to combine our hobbies with our dedication to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation,” said Apollo 16 moonwalker and ASF Board Member Charlie Duke, who has placed himself on the auction block for a Grand Cayman Dive Trip. “This auction will generate significant funds for some of the greatest young minds in our country.”

To participate, log on to www.astronautscholarship.org/auction and register for a virtual paddle number. Then, you are free to launch your bids on any of the 40 lots; proxy bidding is also available.

The launch window for bidding closes promptly at 5 PM EDT on May 8, 2010. Winning bids over fair market value should be considered a charitable donation.

Auction proceeds go directly to support the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in these fields. Today, astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs have joined in this educational endeavor and have disbursed nearly $3 million to students nationwide. For more information, call 321-455-7015 or log on to www.AstronautScholarship.org.

ASF Contact: Beth Higdon
Beth@AstronautScholarship.org
321.455.7013