The threatened Gospel Music Association (GMA) unveiled its latest fund-raising effort this week, an online auction featuring many exclusive items and experiences with its most prominent members. The 40-plus auction items include a "Christmas coffee" with Amy Grant, a recording studio visit with Michael W. Smith and an Epiphone electric guitar signed by members of MercyMe.

"We're excited that the artists are donating their time and products to support the GMA, an organization which has championed Christian music for more than 45 years," said Dan Michaels, marketing senior vice president for INO Records and co-chair of the GMA's Auction Committee.

Additional items include autographed items from Dolly Parton, DeGarmo and Key, Decyfer Down, Disciple and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers. Best-selling novelist Karen Kingsbury has also included a "Forever in Fiction" experience--the highest-priced item at $2,500--with the winning bidder's name to be included in her upcoming novel.

Running until Nov. 15, the auction follows last month's "Concert of the Decade" event--which raised more than $350,000 for the organization to help retire a $800,000 debt incurred from a past GMA Dove Awards sponsor dropout, GMA officials said.

"The GMA organization is actively engaged in a focused reorganization to best serve our membership as we move into 2010," Ed Leonard, GMA board chairman and Daywind Music Group president, recently told Christian Retailing. "You will be hearing about progress regarding events, the Dove Awards and membership in coming weeks."

Click here to view the auction items.

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