With the wave of a bid fan, SABRA Sanctuary reaps all the benefits.

Members of the community are invited to eat, drink and bid at the 16th Annual Charity Dinner and Auction on April 8.

“We just hope that this will be the best auction we’ve ever had,” said Nancy Travis, executive director of the Selma and Blackbelt Region Abuse Sanctuary.

All proceeds from the 150 to 200 items up for silent auction, live auction or raffle will be attributed to the daily operating expenses of the organization. All items are donated from local merchants, artists and residents.

The two raffle baskets will be from Mark’s Mart and Valley Grande Market.

Last year the event raised $26,000 for SABRA.

“We thank everybody for their previous generosity,” Travis said.

Her goal for this year is $30,000.

One of the main improvements of the event is the location change from the Convention Center.

Only 36 tables can fit in this location, which caused Travis to turn away interested parties for a lack of space.

“Now, we have plenty of room,” Travis said.

This year’s location of the Old Armory will offer an abundance of space. Already, the event has sold 44 tables and expects many more.

Doors open at 6 p.m., which will begin the social hour and silent auction with live music. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The silent and live auction will begin at 7:15 p.m. Bob Green will be the auctioneer.

Tickets are $15 per person or $120 for a table of eight.

All tickets must be purchased by March 31 to provide a reasonable amount of time to count for food and drink requirements. No tickets will be sold at the door.

All purchases made at the event must be paid in cash or check. No credit cards will be accepted. Antendees must be at least 21 years old.

Contact Nancy Travis at 334-877-4645 or see Becky Dawson at the Farmers Insurance Agency at 1007 Highland Ave. or contact her at 334-872-7177.

Sponsors of the event are KFC, Papa John’s Pizza, Councilwoman Susan Keith, Alabama Power, Marion Bank & Trust, First Cahawba Bank, The Selma Times-Journal, Pearce Catfish, BankTrust and Old Southern Estates.

SABRA gave shelter to 86 women and children and more than 600 victims were assisted by the organization’s services in 2009.

The organization also helped 14 rape victims, taught 113 classes on domestic and sexual violence and the prevention educator saw more than 700 children.

SABRA serves families in Dallas, Perry and Wilcox counties.