Volunteers are busy preparing for a unique event hosted by Prevent Child Abuse Gordon. “An Evening of Love and Laughter” will feature Lauretta Hannon author of “The Cracker Queen-A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life. A commentator on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered;” Hannon is called the Funniest Women in Georgia by Southern Living Magazine.

Among the live auction items are four Disney World one-day “hopper passes,” two Southwest Airline tickets, Southern Dinner and tour at Sam Edwards’ unique home in downtown Calhoun, and antique furniture.

“Prevent Child Abuse Gordon/Family Resource Center has been awarded a three-year $750,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Children and Families to support One Community Caring, the only program of its kind in Gordon County. Each year, a 20 percent community match is required and this year, the board decided to try something new,” explained Tina Grubbs, Grant Administrator.

Haverty’s has graciously donated a sofa table, pecan kitchen table set, and home accessories that will be both in the live and silent auction. Additional silent auction items include five 30-minute batting lessons donated by Steve Robbins, an autographed University of Georgia Print signed by Larry Munson and Mark Richt, a Corn Hole Game Set, and a 3-liter bottle of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay complete with bar stemware. An Auburn jersey signed by Cam Newton, Jimmy Buffet autographed print, weekend getaways in the Highlands and Coosawatee River, and a baseball signed by Chipper Jones are just a few of the great gifts collected by the Prevent Child Abuse Gordon County board of directors that will be available on Saturday, 2/4, at the Harris Arts Center.

Board chair Jennifer Crane said, “We are very happy with the uniqueness of the gifts that have been donated. This is first time many of these donors have contributed to our community. Unique wooden crafts, an autographed football signed by the senior players of the Calhoun High School State Football Champions, Valentine’s Day packages, Interior Design Consulting, Professional Profiling and Safety Courses, and a Sweet Shop birthday party will also be up for bid.”

Pre-bids and phone call bids can be arranged for those supporters of Prevent Child Abuse Gordon who are not able to be at the event. Call 706-625-3311 for more information on all the items or to purchase tickets for the event.