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High Bidder Will Get To See Crowning Of Next Idol

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By GEORGE WILKENS

gwilkens@tampatrib.com

Published: March 27, 2009

PLANT CITY - The road to Morocco will lead to Hollywood for one high bidder at the April 18 Rainbow Ball to benefit Plant City's Rainbow Family Learning Center.

The 22nd annual fundraiser has a Moroccan theme, but the evening features the auctioning of two tickets to the season finale of one of the nation's most popular TV shows, "American Idol."

Securing the pair of tickets was a time-consuming endeavor. "Those are hard to come by," said Yvonne Fry, co-chair of the event at Red Rose Inn & Suites, 2011 N. Wheeler St., Plant City. "We were really tickled about that."

A member of committee for the annual event spent four months last year trying to obtain tickets for the auction, and renewed the effort this year, Fry said.

There are other unique auction offerings for those who don't buy the tickets to the May 19 taping of the Season 8 finale in Hollywood. Auctions – both live and silent – offer a variety of items, including some offering a change of scenery.

Trips up for auction include a week in Las Vegas and, closer to home, beach outings and golfing weekends. Also up for bid is ownership of one week a year at a timeshare unit in the mountains of North Carolina.

Given the economy, Fry said, this year's auction also features certificates for everyday items, including groceries, gasoline and dining, "things people were going to spend money on anyway," Fry said. "There are things priced for everybody's budget."

The evening's entertainment includes a dance band, a dinner performance by sheiks from Busch Gardens and belly dancing demonstrations.

Rainbow Family Learning Center is operated bv the Child Abuse Council, a Tampa-based private nonprofit organization charged with carrying out a variety of programs to combat child abuse and neglect in Hillsborough County.

"We want people to come and support it but want them to understand what they're supporting and why it's vital to our community," said Fry. The council's programs are funded in part by government sources and United Way, but additional funds are needed to operate facilities like Plant City's 20-year-old Rainbow Center.

"This year we are expanding services here in Plant City and looking to relocate" the center onto property the group hopes to buy to accommodate additional programs and services for the community, Fry said.

Last year's ball raised nearly $100,000.

Tickets for the event are $125 per person.

For information, contact co-chair Jodi Smith at (813) 757-8574 or visit rainbowball.org

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 22nd annual Rainbow Ball

WHEN: 6:30 p.m., April 18

WHERE: Red Rose Inn & Suites, 2011 N. Wheeler St., Plant City

COST: $125 per person

INFORMATION: Co-chair Jodi Smith, (813) 757-8574

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4433.

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