For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre (WRCT) celebrity auction began this week and will run until Aug. 10, with items added weekly.

WRCT Executive Director Ellen Roeseler is organizing the event.

“It all started with a donation from our friend Joe Bruener, who gave us costumes worn by Kathy Kinney in The Drew Carey Show,” she said. “Kathy is from Stevens Point and went to college there with Joe. His generous donation sparked an idea – let’s celebrate the organizations and people that make Wisconsin a wonderful place to live!

“We’ve contacted other celebs with Wisconsin ties and are receiving items daily – Richard Riehle, Gena Rowlands, Bob Uecker, and Charlie Berens were the first to respond. We’ve contacted organizations from around the state and have received donations from Elkhart Lake, American Players Theatre, Bighorn Ranch, and the Copps organization. Local stars have added unique packages, and the excitement is ready to begin.

“The online auction will run through Aug. 10, when we will pause for a breath before the big event – the live and silent auctions on Aug. 16.”

For more information, contact the WRCT office by phone at 715-421-0435 or visit the WRCT website at www.wrctheatre.org. Access to the auction is available on the WRCT website.