Chester County Backyard Bucks will present the group's annual Freedom Dinner/Sportsmen's Event on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the United Steelworkers Union Hall, 705 Charles St., Coatesville. The event, which will feature dinner, silent and live auctions and prize giveaways, is open to people of all ages, including hunters and non-hunters alike.

Doors will open at 4 p.m. for a social hour, and there will be hors d'oeuvres and games. The silent auction will also be open, offering items such as nature-related artwork, fishing and hunting trips and coolers. "We will have hunting and fishing equipment, (including) handmade fishing rods," said Art Lyle, one of the event organizers.

There will be a table of prizes geared toward women that will offer crafts and jewelry, and prizes for children will also be available. "All the youths come up front and we have drawings for them," Lyle said. "No extra tickets are needed."

Because the event falls on 9/11, it has been named the Freedom Dinner and there will prizes for veterans in attendance. "Veterans will stand up and we (will) recognize them and thank them for their service," Lyle said.

A catered buffet dinner will start at 6 p.m. Winners of the silent auction items will be announced after dinner.

A live auction will conclude the event. Live auction items will include artwork, home decor and collectibles.

In addition, Backyard Bucks will give out a hunting trip to Ohio to a family in need that was chosen by the chapter members. The name of the family will be announced during the dinner.

Those who bring nonperishable food items valued at $5 to the event will receive a free ticket to be entered into a drawing to win a muzzleloader. The food donations will be given to local food cupboards.

Backyard Bucks is the Chester County chapter of Whitetails Unlimited. Proceeds from the Sept. 11 event will be used by the local chapter for special projects such as its free archery program for youths held at the Chester County Conservation Camp in Downingtown.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the Sportsmen's Event will be donated to the One Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises money to take children who have social or medical conditions and their families on an outdoor adventure such as mountain climbing, fishing or whitewater rafting.

Lyle said the event attracts between 250 and 300 attendees from Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties, as well as those from other states, including New Jersey and Delaware. "We are told it's one of the best events around. People love the prizes, plus they have a good time," noted Lyle. "A lot of people meet up with their friends. That will be big this year since the event was canceled last year."

All tickets must be purchased in advance. Those who purchase tickets by Saturday, Sept. 4, will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a hunter's prize package. For tickets, visit http://www.whitetailsunlimited.com/events and search for the event in Wagontown.

More information is also available by contacting Lyle at 484-643-6132 or visiting http://www.facebook.com/TeamBackyardBucks.