Jay Leno to emcee Cow Parade auction

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Cow Parade Austin has announced that a very special guest will be joining in on the fun at the auction benefiting SuperHero Kids at Dell Children's Hospital of Austin.

NBC's own Jay Leno is known for his generous donations to charities and will be lending his talents in auctioning off the Austin art cows to new homes.

The beloved cow statues placed in spots all over the city were decorated by local artists. They will be sold for between $500 to $10,000 each to the highest bidders. Cows will be sold with no reserve, meaning there is no minumum bid for the 40-to 45 cows which will be sold at the live auction.

The event is by invitation only for a maximum of 2,000 guests. Members of the public can receive an invitation by making a donation of at least $25. V.I.P. invitations are available for donations of at least $500.

The auction will take place at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater in the W Hotel, 2nd and Lavaca streets, and begin promptly at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13.

The event is hosted by Austin businessman Milton Verret, founder of U.S. Money Reserve.

Spanky Assiter, known as the best auctioneer in the U.S., will run the event. He is famous for his work every year at the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction carried on the Speed Channel.

All the money raised will stay in Austin.

To make a donation and request an invitation, call 512-225-5299.