Infamous red Caddy up for bid at Gala auction

Published 1:11 pm Saturday, February 12, 2011

Much has been made about yellow Cadillacs, historically, but even more will be made about a red Cadillac that became legendary in Troy when “Miss Lummie” Colley was behind the wheel.

Now, that red Colley Caddy will be on the silent auction block at the Colley Senior Complex Mardi Gras Gala on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Cattleman Park.

“We’ve got a long list of fantastic items for the Gala silent auction but Miss Lummie’s red Cadillac has got to be the showcase item,” said Janet Motes, senior center director.

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The Colley family wanted to donate the Cadillac to the Colley Senior Center, which is named in memory of the patriarch of the Colley family, J.O. Colley, to be used as a fundraiser.

“We thought about several different fundraisers but decided that the silent auction would be the most fun and generate a lot of interest,” Motes said. “The Cadillac has been kept in a garage and is in mint condition and it’s low mileage. Whoever gets it will have a real treasure.”

The red Cadillac isn’t the only item that will cause people to let go of a few dollars.

“At our Mardi Gras Gala silent auctions, we try to offer unique items and experiences,” Motes said. “We have artwork from local artists including Phoebe Porter and Jim Campbell and we have experiences including a tea party hosted by Frances Davis. And, of course, we have the usual weekend getaways to beach houses and lake homes. But not all of the items are big-ticket items. We have a variety small but great items.”

For the sports fan, there will be footballs autographed by Trojans Zack Ethridge and Rah Rah White, who are members of the Auburn Tigers 2010 National Championship football team. There will also be items autographed by Nick Saban of Alabama and Gene Chizik of Auburn.

“The silent auction will have something of interest to everyone – men, women and children,” Motes said. “We’ve got great items and we’ll be adding more before the Gala, which will be a lot of fun. We’ll have good food, dancing and great fellowship and raise money to help fund the many programs that are offered at the Colley Senior Complex.”

Tickets for the Mardi Gras Gala are $25 each. Reserved tables for 10 people are available. Tickets are available at the Colley Senior Complex on Elm Street or by calling 808-8500.