Make plans for a fun night out and support a local organization at the same time at a dance and auction to benefit CBAA. The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Hambones Social Club, 10th and Manor streets in Columbia. The doors will open at 6 p.m., with the auction wrapping up at 7:30 p.m. and the dance running from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Beverages and snacks will be offered at the event, and DJ Stan D Man will provide music. The event will include a giveaway drawing of items grouped by baskets, said Crystal Aston of CBAA. "Baskets will be themed as much as possible to focus on the small businesses in our town," she explained, noting that baskets will include a "townie basket," a "man crate," an entertainment basket, a Planet Fitness basket and more. "We also have a weekend at a house in Ocean City, Maryland, to give away."

Proceeds from the event will benefit CBAA, a nonprofit that is supported solely by donations, Aston said. Although the organization was intially called the Columbia Boys Athletic Association, it provides opportunities to both boys and girls. "We provide the youth of Columbia with sports that include T-ball, softball, baseball, basketball, wrestling and cheerleading," she stated. "We will not turn any child away who wants to play a sport regardless of the family's financial situation. We will find a way for that child to play the sport they want. Our goal is to provide our youth with an outlet to do what they are passionate about."

She encourages anyone to get a ticket for the benefit auction and dance, noting that it's always fun. "We would love for the town to get involved and come out for a fun night out for the parents of our youth," she commented. "We always have an incredible time when we all get together."

The deadline to purchase tickets for a discounted price is Wednesday, Feb. 15. Tickets will be available at the door for an additional fee. Only cash will be accepted at the event. For more information or to make a donation to CBAA, contact Aston at 717-286-8956 or Crystalaston13@gmail.com or Jane Murray, commissioner of fundraising, at janemurray322@gmail.com.