It's not every man (or woman) who can say they're walking around with a piece of Hollywood, sports or music memorabilia on their necks.
But your chance has come. Royal City Jewellers has kicked off its annual Tie Day celebrity-autographed tie auction.
Storeowner Michael Isman and his staff have collected more than 50 ties autographed by musicians, actors, TV hosts, NHL and CFL players and coaches, artists and even a Canadian astronaut for the auction, now in its 15th year.,
Bidding for the ties, which are all framed with photos of the signatory, is starting to pick up, Isman said.
"We always like to see more bidding because 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. We give them that cheque in the first week of December and man, that's perfect timing for them. That's when they need it the most," Isman said.
Back for this year's charity auction are some stalwart supporters of Tie Day.
"The four best guys are Donald Trump, Jay Leno, Don Cherry and Scotty Bowman. They've never turned us down," Isman said.
New for this year is one Hollywood actor who's been on the A-list ever since Good Will Hunting.
"We've got Matt Damon this year. Don't ask me how that happened," he said.
Also apropos for the store and Isman's personal favourite this year, are three cast members from History Television's Pawn Stars - Richard "The Old Man" Harrison, Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison and Austin "Chumlee" Russell.
Isman and his staff write to about 300 celebrities every year, asking if they'd sign a tie. If they respond positively, which 50 to 100 usually do, Isman will send them a tie and a bag with return postage.
Also on this year's list are Gene Simmons and the rest of Kiss, Hedley, Sarah McLachlan, Alex Trebek, Wally Buono, Travis Lulay, the Canucks' Sedin twins, and now-retired national newscaster Lloyd Robertson.
Isman said he's never really kept track of where the ties end up once they're purchased but it's all the same as far as the food bank is concerned.
"The food bank is not fussy. They'll take just about anybody's money," he said. "It costs $5,000 or more to publicize it and for the frames to generate about $10,000 or $15,000 for the food bank, but it's our pleasure to do so."
Isman said the auction has raised about $200,000 since his father Howard started the charity in the '90s.
To see the full list of celebrity-signed ties and to place bids, visit www.tieday.ca. Bidding closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 26.
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