At the Tenth Annual Benefit for Homeless Animals, the public can view the wide selection of items donated for the Chance Auction by regional and local businesses, such as gift cards, jewelry, toys, dishes, bakeware and more today Saturday, Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Howard S. Lines Knoxville VFW Post 6753 at 703 Boatman Road, Knoxville, Pa. 16928. There will not be an admission or cover charge to attend.

During those times, auction tickets will be provided for people to place with the auction items they want to win. A numbered style of ticket that does not require people to write in their names is being used. 

There will also be a 50/50 raffle.

In addition, more than 25 handcrafted wood items made by Jerry Gaye will be sold at this year’s benefit. They will be available for purchase on Oct. 18 and 19 during the Yard Sale being held in conjunction with the Chance Auction with the funds to be donated too. Among the items are: a 68-inch long by 16-inch wide model of the American Civil War ironclad warship, the USS Monitor; bar stools, log furniture, a giant pine cone, planters, big stars, lanterns, birdhouses, beverage holders, charcuterie boards and more. 

Beginning at noon this Saturday bluegrass and old-time music will be playing and chili, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and other food will be available for purchase.

Drawings for the Chance Auction and raffle winners’ names will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Proceeds from this year’s benefit, being presented by Jerry and Helen Gaye of Osceola, will be donated to the Heading Home Center at 725 Gee Road, Tioga, PA 16946. It is operated by Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, Inc., a volunteer-based organization that was founded in 2001 in Tioga County. “The Heading Home Center has guaranteed that 100 percent of the funds we raise will be spent on the homeless dogs and cats in their care,” Jerry said.

In September of 2016, Second Chance opened its Heading Home Center in Middlebury Township. Since then, 914 cats and 802 dogs have been adopted and the center has reunited more than 225 dogs with their owners.

People are welcome to donate money, a bag of dog or cat food or cleaning supplies. Donations of any kind of dry or wet cat and dog foods are always appreciated. The animals at the center eat 200 pounds of Purina Pro or Victor dog food and 4Health cat food each month.

For more information about the benefit and the Chance Auction, call the Knoxville VFW at 814-326-4321.