Mercy Foundation to hold Rolls Royce fund-raising auction

This Rolls Royce is being auctioned to benefit the Mercy Foundation.

Herald-Tribune

Fort Scott, Kan. -- Through the generosity of Tom Rost, a Topeka attorney who has attended the Mercy Health Center Foundation gala for the past few years, the Foundation is offering for sale a vintage Rolls Royce as part of the 18th annual Capture the Spirit Gala on Aug. 25.

"This is an opportunity to help the Foundation and Mercy Health Center," said Rost. "I am pleased to be able to offer this fine car for the Foundation to sell and have on display at the gala."

The 1978 Silver Shadow Rolls Royce, with 57,800 miles, is an asset of a trust for which Rost is the trustee. The car's most recent owner was Robert Rohde, the president of Standard Oil for Kansas who resided both in Topeka and Neodesha. Over the years, the car has had a fascinating history which has been preserved by the owners of the car through car tags and insurance cards. Originally, the car was sold to a lease company in Los Angeles, CA and driven by movie star Walter Matthau according to story. The car was then sold to a diamond company in Texas and finally to Rohde.

"The car is unique from others because of its fascinating history and excellent condition," Mercy Health Center development director Carla Bryant Farmer said. "We are very pleased that Mr. Rost has given the Foundation this opportunity to showcase the car, and through its sale, raise money for health care services in southeast Kansas." Between now and the gala on Aug. 25, the car will be displayed on the showroom at Shepherd Team Auto Plaza in Fort Scott. David Shepherd, owner of the car dealership and Mercy Foundation board member, is pleased to be able to display the car, Farmer said. Information detailing the history and repair work of the car are available at Shepherds and sales staff are on hand to answer questions.

The foundation will accept sealed bids on the car through Aug. 25. A reserve amount has been set at $22,000 above which all bids must be placed. All bids should be mailed to Mercy Health Center Foundation, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott, KS, 66701. The Foundation reserves the right to refuse any and all bids.

For more information about the car or bidding process, call Mercy Development Office at (620) 223-7026.