University Park, Pa. -- Penn State Public Broadcasting has announced that the 18th Annual Connoisseur's Dinner and Auction, featuring Chef Martin Yan, is sold out. The fundraising event will take place on Feb. 20, at the Nittany Lion Inn on Penn State's University Park campus. WPSU managers say the gala has never been at full capacity this far in advance of the event.
On the same day the dinner reached its 300-guest limit, WPSU's national auction opened to bidders at http://wpsu.org/auction online.
An autographed pair of Penn State football coach Joe Paterno's iconic dark-rimmed glasses will be awarded to the highest bidder. This is the first pair of Paterno's glasses ever given to a charitable auction.
Two other auction items are available online, including an autographed official Louisville Slugger Powerized signature model P72 bat of New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. The autographed bat comes with a hologram certificate of authenticity.
Also, participants can bid on a fly-fishing excursion to Spruce Creek, on of Pennsylvania's premiere trout streams. Located in south-central Pennsylvania, much of the water is privately owned, but the winning bidder can have the opportunity to experience world-class trout fishing with this special offer. Jim Ryan, Penn State vice president emeritus, will hold a full day of great fishing on well-stocked waters.
The 18th annual Connoisseur's Dinner and Auction, hosted by PBS Master Chef Martin Yan, will celebrate Chinese New Year with the savory flavors and essential textures of the Far East, and also will support public broadcasting. This benefit dinner for WPSU-TV will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Nittany Lion Inn.
Penn State Public Broadcasting (PSPB) serves Central Pennsylvania with programming, educational services and community outreach. This public media service produces, acquires, and distributes programs that address local interests and reflect the diverse cultural, political, geographic and demographic characteristics of an audience within central Pennsylvania. For more information, visit http://wpsu.org online.