Whether you've never boarded a cruise ship or the captain knows you by name, you'll want to bid on the cruise being offered at the April 7 Rebuilding Together with Christmas In April Auction sponsored by the Rim O' the World Association of Realtors. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline.

"The cruise is a great addition to the auction this year," Association President Cynthia Carley (Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty) said, "and the lucky bidder can either take the cruise offered or trade it in on another cruise."

Carley, who is heading the annual event featuring auctioneers John and T.J. Woods, announced food prepared by The Chef's Inn in Cedar Glen would be featured this year.

"Randall Holloman from The Chef's Inn has been involved with the dinner for many years and always helps make the evening extra special," Carley stated. "I'm sure this year will be no exception."

In addition to the cruise, the Association of Realtors will be auctioning off a wide range of items including Los Angeles Angels at Anaheim baseball tickets and two tickets to a Newport Celebrity Tennis Tournament.

"Last year, the Angels tickets brought in $425 of the $20,000-plus the auction collected for Christmas In April," Carley added. Over the past decade, the association has raised over $150,000 for the non-profit organization.

"We'll also be having a 50/50 drawing," Carley stated. "Last year, the winner of the drawing received $350 which was donated back to Christmas In April."

Tickets to the dinner and auction are $25 each or $40 per couple and are available at real estate offices from Running Springs to Crestline.

"All someone needs to do is call their local realtor and ask about tickets," Carley stated. "Or they can contact the association office at (909) 337-2473.

"It's going to be a fun evening and an excellent opportunity for bidders to show their community spirit by raising their paddles to bid on the wealth of items available. We auctioned off over 75 items last year and we look forward to another successful event on April 7."

Rebuilding Together with Christmas In April President Ira Maser praised "the Association of Realtors for all they do to assist our organization from the dinner and auction to volunteering each year on Rebuilding Day (April 30)."

Maser acknowledged the partnership with the Association of Realtors has been a tremendous help to Christmas In April for over 10 years.

"We have alliances with several other groups including the Association of Building Contractors that contribute to the success of Rebuilding Day and are allowing us to work on 10 homes this year along with work on the offices of two non-profit organizations.

"Each year," Maser continued, "Christmas In April's dedicated volunteers reach out to low-income homeowners and perform alongside skilled craftspeople to do everything from light maintenance work to raking pine needles and patching roofs.

"It's really a fun day and we can always use an extra set of hands," Maser concluded. The 10 homes selected this year are located in Valley of Enchantment, Crestline, Arrowbear, Running Springs and Twin Peaks.

In addition, Rebuilding Day volunteers will be doing work at the Lake Arrowhead Children's Museum and the Hootman Senior Center in Running Springs.

Volunteers are still needed for the annual workday. Information about Rebuilding Day 2005 on April 30 can be obtained by calling (909) 336-3910.

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