auction, dancing and food

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

When the stars come out Saturday night, they will surely shine on Pike County

and the Colley Senior Complex Gala.

The Gala will be the event of the year for the Complex as it hosts

a "black tie optional" affair at Troy Country Club, which will include dancing to Big Band music, fantastic heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction that could best be described as a "dream" auction.

The silent auction will be a one-of-a-kind event and the bidding is expected to be fast and furious.

"We have fantastic items for auction and each one is something very special," said Mary Ann Casey, director of the senior complex. "They are not your usual auction items. We have everything from ‘A’ to ‘G’ – art, diamonds, food and get-away weekends."

Those who attend the Gala will have an opportunity to bid on the items in person, however, those who will not be able to attend will also have an opportunity to bid.

WTBF Radio will accept bids on the Morning Show and bids may also be phoned in to Channel 52’s morning show, Today in L.A. Bids will be taken through Friday.

"We will also take bids by phone at the Colley Senior Complex by calling 808-8500 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. through Friday," Casey said. "The items will also be on display at the Troy Country Club Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come by, look and bid during the afternoon. We want to give everyone an opportunity to bid on these items. This is a great opportunity to purchase high-quality items and support our senior program at the same time."

The funds raised by the Gala and silent auction will benefit the Troy Senior Foundation which provides a wide variety of opportunities for the senior citizens of Troy and Pike County.

Items for auction include:

· Day of fishing and picnic for four couples (Rolings, Thompsons and Snyders)

· Wild game meal for 20 people

(Larry Johnstons, Alan Youngs, Herbie Hastings, Sam Johnstons, Mickey DiChiaras)

· Dessert a month (Jane Hamrick)

· Casserole a month (Faye Lunsford, Susan Murphree, Helen Johnston, Elaine Blair, Ann Boothe and Linda Bolt)

· One gallon Blue Bell Ice Cream a month (Charlie Brown)

· One gallon camp stew (Jim Roling)

· Home decorating (2.5 hours) plus 10 percent off Home Gallery

· Art work by Mary Page, Dan Fraley, Beverly Cappozolli, Will VerMeulen, Mary Ann Casey, Nall, Larry Shillabeer, Pam Allen, Jim Campbell, Bonnie Holland, Marsha Rice, Judy Thornton, Judy Norton, Wood Ishmael, Gladys Shirley, Sandra Butler, Charles Adams and Nita Crawford. Prints: Civil War, Sorrell Chapel, Babe Ruth Home Run, First Alabama-Auburn Game, rooster with horseshoe easel

· Antiques (HillTop Antiques)

· Chest (Wood Nook)

· Pound cake, bran muffins and a pound cake for later (Peggy Allen)

·

Bird house (A.D. Ryals)

· Ballroom dancing lessons for two, six-week session, (Dr. Cutchen)

· Gulf Shores condo (Marsha Gaylard)

· Flower bed, designed and arranged (Raymond Sexton)

· Spa day (Elaine McLeod)

· 3 cakes (Kathy White)

· Aerial photo (David Holmes)

· Nall’s place mats and cookbook, signed

· $500 gift certificate (Dr. Richard Schloemer)

· All day fishing and steak dinner (Larry Johnston)

· One gallon gourmet gumbo

(Cheryl Harrison)

· Hank Williams Jr. items, signed

· Condo at Regency (Juanita Curtis)

· 3-diamond ring, Douglas Brothers

· $500 Grand Casino weekend

· Party with Nall with music by Jason Grace (Baba Hendricks, Toni Sanders, Kathy Campbell, Brother Chapman)

· Case Sister Schubert’s Rolls

· Beyond the Normal (book)

· Dog bed (Pete Farrah)

· Dining table and chairs (Alan and Ann Boothe)

· Gas logs (Southeast Alabama Gas)

· Jewelry (Friedmans)

Opening bids have been set for all items.

Tickets for the Colley Senior Complex Gala are available by calling 808-8500. The cost is $25 per person or $50 a couple. The Gala is from 7 until 11 p.m. The silent auction closes at 9 .m. and awards will be announced at 10.