By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Three local museums have partnered to raise funds for the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.
About $1.25 million has been raised to support the museum. However, more than $374,000 remains in possible matching funds from the Robert E. and Pat Schmidt Foundation.
The Roar and Raise fundraiser will begin at 5:30 p..m. Friday a the Ellis County Historical Society, 100 W. Seventh, Hays. The live auction will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the conclusion of a silent auction following.
Admission to event for adults is $10 and $5 for children.
One of the featured items is a life-size cast of a Megacephalosaurus eulerti. The museum has a model of this prehistoric sea creature hanging from the ceiling of the lobby. The cast is provided by Triebold Paleontology and has an estimated value of almost $6,000.
The cast measures about 5.5 feet long.
Casts of T-Rex teeth and Megalodon teeth will also be up for auction.
Several antique firearms are on the auction bill, including a Winchester Model 94 commemorative Buffalo Bill .30-30, two Colt .38s and a Acme Arms Co. 10 gauge Belgian Fine Damascus.
Eclectic Threads of Hays has donated a T-Rex quilt.
Original art and photography will be available, including original animal art created by Sternberg animals.
The live action will also include several experience packages, including two paleontology experiences, an elementary summer camp experience and a dinner for four chef's experience from Verdant Bistro.
Multiple signed copies of books are going to be up for auction as well as beer signs and much more.
Live bands will perform through the night, including Sweet Remedy and Jordan Rome. Tours of the Felten Stone Gallery will also be available.
A raffle and donation bar will be offered.
The Local Food Truck and Tacos El Guero Guey will be on site to purchase food.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the FHSU Foundation for the support of the Sternberg Museum.
Donations for the auction will be taken through Friday. Please no garage sale or flea market items. However, art, new handmade items, gift cards and collectibles will be accepted.
No items from the Sternberg collections are being auctioned, Brad Penka, Sternberg director of visitor services, said.
You can preview auction at items at roarandraise.rushcounty.org/.
If you have questions, you can email sternbergdonations@rushcounty.org or call the museum.
You an also donate funds directly at foundation.fhsu.edu/save-sternberg/
"There will be something for everyone," Penka said. "There will be lots of fun stuff to do."