The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, October 26, 1994            TAG: 9410250087
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN    PAGE: 13   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY JODY R. SNIDER, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD                         LENGTH: Short :   41 lines

CELEBRITIES KICK IN ITEMS FOR AUCTION TO HELP POLICEMAN'S SON

The list of friends for Jason Holt's auction is becoming a celebrity showcase.

Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has signed a pennant to be auctioned, there's a hat signed by Dwight Stone of the Pittsburgh Steelers, two baseballs signed by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda and a video and photo signed by country music superstar Reba McEntire.

And, oh, yes, an eight-week-old pot-bellied pig will go on the block at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Isle of Wight Rescue Squad on South Church Street.

But that's only a few of the items that have poured in to help pay for 4-year-old Jason's medical bills.

The son of Smithfield Police officer Scott Holt and his wife, Melinda, Jason was diagnosed in September with Burkitt's lymphoma, a cancer that spreads rapidly through the lymph glands.

Jason is undergoing chemotherapy at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk.

Smithfield Police spokeswoman Jimmie Garner said about 500 auction items have come in. Several businesses have donated new items. And local restaurants and stores have donated gift certificates.

Local residents have been asked to donate lightly used items, such as furniture. Garner said he hopes the auction raises $10,000 toward Jason's medical bills.

In addition to the auction, a 5-K run is planned at 8 a.m., Nov. 5, at Underwood Lane and Main Street. Check-in time is 7 a.m. Cost is $15. Age groups: Male and female 35 and under, and 35 and up. Preregister at the Smithfield Police Department. MEMO: Call 357-3247 for more information on fund-raising events for Jason.

by CNB