Auction and barbecue to benefit Boys & Girls Club

Two electric guitars lean up against the mini-fridge. A basket of spa goodies sits on top. Over in Hal Hansen's office, a wheelbarrow provides just enough space to squeeze through. A large box of tools rests inside.

Such is the state of affairs at the administrative offices of the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada the week leading up to its annual and largest fund-raiser - the Kid's Auction and World's Greatest BBQ at Mills Park.

"We have donated items all over the place," said Hansen, executive director of the club. "We have some of them in storage, at board members' houses, at places of business.

"A lot of items are trips and certificates. Fortunately, they don't take up a lot of space."

Saturday's auction at the Pony Express Pavilion at Mills Park promises to be the largest generator of revenue ever for the club.

"It's a very generous community, I can tell you that," Hansen said. "I think people believe in the mission of the Boys & Girls Club - giving all kids a chance to realize their full potential."

Two cars - a '29 Chevy and '79 Volkswagen - two boats, a pair of Jet Skis on a trailer and a new Harley-Davidson Sportster have been donated.

"We have a scooter, which is probably going to be a popular item," Hansen said.

Money raised from the event will be used for the club's operating costs in the upcoming year - salaries, activity costs, bills.

"They say (this year's auction) is probably going to be better than ever," Hansen said. "Ticket sales are up and have surpassed last year. They'll probably still be available up until Friday. For the best seating arrangements, it's good to get in early."

While last year's total receipts grossed $226,000, Hansen hopes this year, with all the big-ticket items, will produce even more revenue.

"You have a good auction, you have a good year is sort of our philosophy," he said. "It's amazing the people that step up for this."

Tickets to the 12th Kids Auction And World's Greatest BBQ begin at $100 and go up to $250. The event starts at 3 p.m. with the opening of the silent auction, which includes more than 100 items. Bidding ends at 4:30 p.m.

The live auction begins at 5 p.m. It includes the vehicles, a 42-inch high-definition home theater system and tickets for four to a 49ers game, including airfare, hotel and cash.

The buffet dinner includes ribs prepared by CC BBQ Co., potato and macaroni salads, chicken breasts, beans, dessert and more.

For those who wish to attend just the 7 p.m. concert featuring Lee Greenwood, a country singer for more than 20 years known for "God Bless the U.S.A.," tickets are $10. Doors for the concert open at 6:30 p.m. Auction ticket holders may attend as part of the price of their ticket.

Kristie Traver, development director for the Boys & Girls Club, expects silent auction items to continue coming in throughout the week. She received a call recently from someone wanting to donate a Callaway Professional Pool Table.

"People usually do donate items all the way up through the auction day," she said.

n Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

If you go

What: Kids Auction and Worlds Greatest BBQ

When: 3-10 p.m. Saturday

Where: Pony Expression Pavilion, Mills Park

To donate, purchase tickets, volunteer or pre-register for bidding call the club at 882-8820.