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PARKERSBURG - New faces and new places will be the catchwords as the SW Resources 28th annual auction takes center stage on Oct. 23.

The auction, held the last two years at Grand Pointe in Vienna, will be on a new date, a Friday, instead of a Saturday, and at a different locale, the Fraternal Order of Eagles 2307 on Lubeck Avenue. The silent auction will be conducted from 5-7:30 p.m., with the live auction to start at 7:45 p.m. Tickets for the nonprofit's largest fundraiser will all be general admission only this year, and will be $30 a person. Refreshments will include hors d'oeuvres, desserts and coffee, tea and a cash bar.

One of the new faces will be auctioneer John Spiker. A Jane Lew native, Spiker has been a practicing vet in the area for many years and has been involved with auctioneering in 23 states. He is the auctioneer for the Junior Livestock sale at the West Virginia State Fair. He farms and is offering his auctioneering services free of charge for the SW Resources auction.

"I've always enjoyed auctioneering ever since I was a child. I used to go to auctions with my dad," Spiker said, noting he's looking forward to working the SW Resources auction. "Where there's an auction, there's always some action," he said.

"John is outstanding, he's very witty, personable and very entertaining. I think everyone is really going to enjoy him," said Gloria Cox, chief executive officer for SW Resources. Spiker will be assisted by his son David, who graduated from auctioneering school in 2008.

"We also have more sponsors this year than we've ever had, including a number of new ones," Cox said.

The auction raised more than $94,000 last year, and coordinators are hoping to raise more than $100,000 this year.

"All proceeds raised from the auction stay within SW Resources and are used to continue services and pioneer new programs for people with disabilities," said Sammy Burdette, vice president of development and rehabilitation at SW Resources.

"The auction is our biggest fund-raiser each year," Cox said.

SW Resources is a private, nonprofit organization providing vocational services and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The agency is headquartered at 1007 Mary St.

Dan Cooper is coordinating the auction committee for the second year in a row. Cooper is also a member of the SW Resources board of directors.

While SW has already received numerous donations, still more are needed, Burdette said. Donations might include antiques, collectibles, clothing and accessories, gift certificates for dinners, entertainment, home furnishings, trips, arts and crafts, tools, celebrity items, sports items and cash donations. Contact SW Resources for more information, tickets or to donate to the auction, at 304-428-6344 and ask for Cox or Burdette.