Students, faculty and community members will have a chance to bid on a football autographed by Nick Saban, among other items, at the College of Communication and Information Sciences’ Annual Silent Auction. The auction, organized by the Student Executive Council, will be held in the Reese Phifer Hall rotunda today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The annual auction, held the Thursday before every A-Day, is organized to benefit other students in the College of Communication and Information Sciences, according to Student Executive Council Vice-President and Silent Auction Chair Margaret Bishop. All proceeds go to Students Helping Students Book Scholarships.

“We donate all profit to book scholarships for students in our college that show financial need,” Bishop said. “Last year, we raised [enough] for a total of nine $300 book scholarships.”

Deirdra Drinkard, president of the Student Executive Council, said she believes it is a student responsibility to assist other students in financial need.

“The members of the Student Executive Council are first and foremost students within the College of Communications and Information Sciences,” Drinkard said. “As students, we know all too well the importance of scholarships. Because we have the opportunity and ability to help others within our college, we dedicate our annual Silent Auction to raise money for those who are in financial need.”

A variety of items will be available, including sports memorabilia and gift certificates to popular local businesses.

“There are several hot items up for grabs, including … an Anthony Grant-autographed basketball, gift cards to numerous places, including Hotel Capstone, The Winfrey Hotel, Cypress Inn, Gilda’s Salon and much more,” Bishop said. “Furniture, artwork and gift baskets will also be auctioned.”

According to a flyer for the event, gift cards for area restaurants such as Mugshots Grill and Bar and Five Guys Burgers and Fries will also be available.

Participants are welcome to peruse the items and do not have to be present to win, Bishop said.

“There will be price sheets located with each item and a minimum bid will be set,” she said. “The highest bidder at 3 p.m. will then claim their item and pay,” Bishop said. “We will be calling the winners to pick up their item and pay after 3 p.m.”

Winners must pay in cash only, she said.

“Last year we raised $2,700, so our goal this year is to beat our prior year’s goal,” Bishop said.