'Deflategate' chocolate football charity auction nets $20,000

January 30, 2015 at 3:36 p.m. | Updated January 30, 2015 at 3:37 p.m.

by Associated Press

A "deflated" chocolate football called a "Bradie" Ball is on display at Sarris Candy store in in Canonsburg, Pa., on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. Owner Bill Sarris says they came up with the idea to poke fun at the controversy surrounding under-inflated footballs on Tuesday. The display item isn't for sale. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic))
A "deflated" chocolate football called a "Bradie" Ball is on display at Sarris Candy store in in Canonsburg, Pa., on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. Owner Bill Sarris says they came up with the idea to poke fun at the controversy surrounding under-inflated footballs on Tuesday. The display item isn't for sale. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic))

PITTSBURGH -- A Pennsylvania candy maker's attempt to tease the New England Patriots with a chocolate "Deflategate" football has wound up being anything but a joke.

The ball created by Sarris Candies of Canonsburg, about 15 miles south of the Pittsburgh, was auctioned off on KDKA Radio Friday and raised $20,000 for the Dollar Energy Fund.

The fund provides utility assistance for poorer residents.

A local car dealer bid $5,000, which was matched by Bill Sarris -- and the utilities that help support the Dollar Energy Fund are matching that $10,000.

Sarris made headlines by posting a picture of the ball -- molded with a dent to make it appear deflated -- on Facebook and didn't intend to sell it.

But now he says, "It's going to a good cause, so that's the best thing."

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