Event benefits children's center

Chili for Children, a family dinner event held last year to benefit the Carson Valley Children's Center, is returning next month.

Chili for Children will take place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 at the CVIC Hall located on Esmeralda Avenue in Minden.

The event includes a raffle for 15 prizes, music by local band Road Daddy, a dinner of traditional beef chili, vegetarian chili or chicken and white bean chili.

Tickets for Chili for Children are $10 for adults, and children younger than 12 are free. Each paid adult ticket includes a souvenir chili mug and an entry in the grand prize drawing for a family weekend at Disneyland, including airfare and hotel. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling Vicky Sauer-Lamb at 782-9809. Tickets will also be available at the door.

All of the money raised at "Chili for Children" will be used to operate the non-profit Carson Valley Children's Center under construction in north Douglas County. The address is 3589 North Sunridge Drive, behind the Douglas County Sheriff's Substation. This 5,382 square-foot residence is named "Austin's House" as a tribute to Austin Kirby. Austin's House will provide a safe home environment for up to 10 children from infants to age 17. It will accommodate both males and females who are unable to be maintained in their own homes. They will stay for a maximum of 45 days until they can be reunited with their families or placed in appropriate safe housing such as a foster home or with a relative. Austin's House will supply the basic living necessities for these children including proper nutrition, hygiene, rest, nurturing, companionship, recreation and education.