WEST PLAINS, Mo. – A three carat black diamond pendant necklace donated by Carter’s Jewel Chest in Mountain Home, Arkansas, could be yours if you are the highest bidder at Missouri State University-West Plains’ “Red, White and True Blue” annual auction April 7 at the Student Recreation Center on campus.

The diamond is surrounded by .29 carat white diamonds and set in a 14 karat white gold necklace. The entire piece is valued at $2,178, organizers said.

“This is the sixth consecutive year that our friends at Carter’s Jewel Chest donated an item for our auction,” said Director of Development Joe Kammerer. “They hand select a piece each year based on what they believe will raise a lot of money for Missouri State University-West Plains. We cannot thank them and our other donors enough.”

The neckace is one of many items that will be up for bid at the event, which celebrates its 23rd year this year with a patriotic theme. Everyone is asked to wear their favorite blue, and veterans who attend are encouraged to wear their dress uniform, organizers said.

Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a reserved table of six. Proceeds will go toward the university’s Veterans Center, which will be housed in Hass-Darr Hall once renovations are complete.

Those wishing to purchase tickets or tables can call the Missouri State-West Plains development office at 417-255-7240, e-mail WPDevelopment@MissouriState.edu or visit the auction website.

Carter’s Jewel Chest is at 860 Highway 62 East, Unit 1, in Mountain Home. More information about Carters can be found online.

To take a sneak peek at more auction items, visit the Missouri State-West Plains Alumni and Friends Facebook page.