Man auctions memorabilia collection for good cause

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida man is auctioning off his large collection of autographed books and memorabilia on Saturday to help his daughter who is battling a serious disease.

In 1980, Ken Kallin said he had to have Hollywood legend Bette Davis' autograph at add to his collection. "On the way over, the guy said, 'Don't ask her for an autograph she hates it, she'll get mad,'" said Kallin.

Thirty-two years later, Kallin has accumulated a collection of autographed photos, books and sports memorabilia. "When I came back, people said, 'You know those are worth some money,' and I said, 'Come on, I got it for me,' and then, when she passed away, they skyrocketed, and I said, 'There is something in this,'" said Kallin.

Kallin has the largest collection of autographed books. His 7,381 books and entire autographed collection will be sold for auction. "Guinness is going to verify that this is the largest collection of books ever sold that were all autographed," said Jay Sugarman Auctions' Scott Grasso.

Kallin is auctioning off his collection, valued at $4.5 million because one of his daughters is battling a serious disease. "She has a serious debilitating disease, which it will eventually be fatal," said Kallin. "She has insurance, so that covers her medical, but there will be other expenses. She's gonna need home health care soon."

The autograph auction will be held this Saturday in Oakland Park.

For more information on the action: Jay Sugarman Auctioneers: http://www.jaysugarman.com/

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