Haverhill's favorite fiberglass footwear made its final appearance Saturday night as the works of art were auctioned away and thousands of dollars were raised for local charities and nonprofit organizations.

The gala auction was the final event of the Soles of Haverhill's citywide Shoe-la-bration, a public art project that has gone on since June.

Organizers were still counting proceeds at The Gazette's press time.

Guests could bid on one of the 14 six-foot tall shoes from the exhibit, as well as other live auction items like a Stuart Weitzman snakeskin handbag, an African safari and golf outings. There were also 28 silent auction items that included jewelry, gift certificates, and signed albums.

There was a Southern flair to the auction as auctioneer Tim Milks of Severeville, Tenn. (yes, it's pronounced exactly like you think it would be), impressed the crowd with a swift, drawl-laced show. For the first few seconds, the guests seemed perplexed as to what Milks was actually saying, but bidders caught on quickly and started raising their paddles proudly and often.

Each shoe was sponsored by local businesses, created by local artists and associated with local organizations. The money raised by the sale of each shoe will benefit the organization, so before the shoes went up for auction, each organization was celebrated.

Many of the shoes were bought back by their sponsors for display at their businesses.

Pentucket Bank President Scott Cote offered $5,400 for the shoe the bank commissioned, "Pentucket: Place by the Winding River." The money will benefit the Winnekenni Foundation, which takes care of Winnekenni Park and Castle.

HTM Credit Union also bought back its shoe, "The Queen Slipper City," before the auction began. The purchase will benefit the Haverhill Public Library. Sponsors had the option of buying back their shoes for $5,000 before they were placed on the auction block.

One of the most active bidders at the gala was City Councilor Ken Quimby. After throwing up his numbered placard for several of the other shoes, he ended up winning a $5,100 bid for the "Ya Gotta Haverhill" shoe, which benefits Animal Rescue of Merrimack Valley and prominently features an iconic white "Entering Haverhill" highway sign.

Quimby said he will display the shoe in his yard.