By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL/ Staff Writer

Through the Grace of God Ministries is hosting a fundraiser banquet and auction on Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Clanton.

According to Brother Ralph Bingham, director of Through the Grace of God Ministries, the non-profit hosts the benefit fundraiser and auction each year to help fund the ministry’s budget for the following year.

“It’s our big fundraiser of the year,” Bingham said. “I think it’s our fifth or sixth year now.”

This year’s event will feature live music by Christian/Gospel artist Tina Wakefield, comedy from Lee McBride, a silent and then live auction facilitated by Tommy Glasscock and food catered from Barbara Minor’s Country Lane Too.

“I tell people, it’s just a great date night,” Bingham said, “if you just want to take your husband or your wife out, it’s really a great evening, really.”

Among this year’s top auction items are:

• Japanese maple tree donated by former Auburn University football coach Pat Dye
• Four-hour fishing trip
• University of Alabama and Auburn University memorabilia
• Other locally donated items

“Every penny goes, really, in our general budget to meet our needs for our food ministry,” Bingham said.

Through the Grace of God Ministries serves meals to Chilton County people in need.

For more information about the non-profit ministry, visit the Through the Grace of God Ministries Facebook page.