PHILIP - Last week's arrival of a package containing four ticket vouchers for a Minnesota Twins baseball game and an autographed photo of Twins infielder Nick Punto captured the attention of Jessica Wheeler's second-grade boys.

"Cool," murmured Dylan Schofield, gazing at the latest additions to a collection of celebrity items that members of the Haakon Education Association have gathered for a playground benefit auction that begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, in the Haakon School District's Fine Arts Building.

Proceeds from the auction will complete the purchase of the final piece of equipment for the school's playground.

Playground options were limited for Philip's 200 elementary students after an aging wood-frame playground structure was removed during the summer.

When members of the education association decided to tackle the fundraising effort, Wheeler expected to spend at least two years raising money to complete the project, but the local community responded generously to the HEA's plea for funds. So far, the community has contributed about $26,000 to the playground project.

"It was just amazing," Wheeler said.

Haakon Superintendent of Schools Kevin Morehart said Wheeler has done a "fantastic job" with the help of education association members and the community.

"If you would have told me she would have gotten all of this done in the beginning, it would have been hard to believe," he said.

For the school district to equip the playground as the community and HEA have would have taken several years, he said.

"We wouldn't have been able to get it done in one year like she (Wheeler) has," Morehart said. "She's an overachiever."

The playground is now decorated with two slides, a super dome, tri-level bars, three balance beams, fun pods, a satellite climber and new basketball hoops. The final centerpiece unit was ordered to avoid a price hike, Wheeler said.

The existing merry-go-round and teeter-totter were also repainted.

The Haakon School Board has covered the cost of installation and ground cover.

Any extra money raised by the auction will be used to continue making improvements to the playground area.

Dawson Reedy admired the Twins tickets, but admitted his favorite auction items are a CD signed by "According to Jim" star Jim Belushi and a poster signed by professional cowboys.

Wheeler's students have monitored the arrival of all the auction items since school started, she said.

"Their favorite was 'According to Jim,'" Wheeler said. The television show sent a photo and a script signed by all the cast, including guest star Lee Majors.

"When the mail comes, it's always exciting," Wheeler said.

Wheeler's own hard work was rewarded with notes from several celebrities. Her personal favorite is a note from Bob Newhart directed just to her.

The uniqueness of many items may be lost on many of the second-graders, but Wheeler is more than surprised by the response to letters and e-mails she sent requesting items for the auction to help pay for playground improvements.

Singers Big and Rich responded by sending signed T-shirts, a CD and photo.

Celebrity contributions also include: four VIP tickets to a taping of the "Dr. Phil" show, a signed photo from Garfield creator Jim Davis, a Clifford double-book set autographed by creator Norman Bridwell, three "Berenstain Bears" books autographed by creators Jan and Mike Berenstain, a T-shirt autographed by Larry the Cable Guy, autographed photos of Betty White and Raquel Welch, a T-shirt and cap autographed by comedian Bill Engvall, a CD signed by Anne Murray and a copy of the final "Newhart" show, signed by Bob Newhart.

Donated artwork includes a framed Jon Crane print, a signed limited edition print of Gabe's World by Jim Yellowhawk, and signed posters from Lorie Line and children's author Eric Carle.

A family friend of Wheeler's has donated a collection of 50 silver crown coins from around the world. The collection has a minimum bid of $500.

Additional donations of Black Hills gold jewelry, beef and pork will also be sold.

Wheeler is willing to take sealed bids on any of the auction items. Bids should be sent to Wheeler, at Philip Elementary School, P.O. 730, Philip, SD, 57567. Please note the item on which you are bidding on the outside of the envelope.

Contact Andrea Cook at 394-8423 or andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com

If you go

What: Philip Celebrity Auction

When: 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 20

Where: Fine Arts Building, Philip High School, 330 Scottie Ave.

For a partial listing of auction items, visit www.philip.k12.sd.us and click on the Playground Fund Raiser link.