High bidders walked away with several unique items, including a handmade stool by former President Jimmy Carter, during the Carter Center’s annual Winter Weekend auction held recently in San Diego.

The auction raised more than $1.6 million to benefit the center’s initiatives to advance peace and health worldwide.

The highest bid item was the handmade stool, which sold for $300,000. More than 150 items, including original artwork and woodwork, an Argo movie poster signed by the cast and Carter and high-end vacations were up for bid.

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Peggy Harris (foreground) stocks the shelves at Sandy's IGA, which is the only grocery store in town, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Sparta. Hancock County has one of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in the country. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC