WHAT: Aug. 10 marks the opening day of the United Way’s 2009 Online Auction, and bids are open at www.givebidwin.com. To view the items firsthand, the public is invited to stop by the United Way’s Online Auction Kickoff at Blueberry Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Some of the auction items onsite for viewing will include:

• Carlos Santa autographed guitar

Bid on an autographed guitar from one of the world’s most legendary guitarists, 10-time GRAMMY® Award and two-time Latin Grammy Award-winner.

• NASCAR fire suit

This is the official NASCAR fire suit worn by Jeff Burton's pit crew in Fontana, Calif., during the Busch race on Sept. 3, 2005.

• Stan Musial autographed baseball

Collectors, here's a chance to get a baseball signed by the great Stan Musial. Baseball is in a protective plastic case.

• Boeing Leather Flight Jacket

This distinctive 100 percent leather jacket has a Boeing signature is embroidered on the left chest and logos from throughout Boeing history are custom-printed on the lining.

United Way will have computers available for eager bidders, and will be encouraging live bidding from the event at www.givebidwin.com. The auction runs from Aug. 10 at 7 a.m. to Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.

WHY: By bidding on items you’re helping people in this community through United Way. Give, bid, win at United Way’s online auction and do something good for the community and for yourself. You can give, bid, win at www.givebidwin.com

WHEN: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 5 - 8 p.m.

WHERE: Blueberry Hill: Dart Room, 6504 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO  63130-4501

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Photos of auction items, visuals of people bidding and a chance to demonstrate the bidding process, interviews with United Way staff and auction participants.

###