Jay Leno selling his Fiat 500 at the Gooding Auction
When Jay Leno donated his Fiat 500 Prima Edizione to be auctioned in Pebble Beach to raise money for Fisher House, the Gooding Auction house estimated it would bring in about $25,000. They didn't count on the generosity of the audience and Leno's power of persuasion.
Bill Munday's winning bid was $350,000 with all proceeds going to Fisher House, a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of vital services for thousands of wounded U.S. soldiers and military veterans. Leno was on stage with the auctioneers to help entice the bidding to go higher. In addition to the winning bid, more than an additional $300,000 was raised in pure donations during the bidding.
Leno brought Munday up on stage to thank him personally for supporting such a worthy cause.
More coverage of the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta was also on hand for the auction, as was Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno.
David Gooding of Gooding & Company also waived the normal commission for the sale so all monies go directly to Fisher House.
