Helping hands Artist Kat Jones, left, helps students at the Marlin Academy after-school childcare program paint a mural that will be among items auctioned at the Fall for the ARK event Saturday, Sept. 10. About 20 children took part in creating the mural depicting an undersea scene. COURTESY PHOTO BY LEE HARRISON An evening of food, fun and fellowship awaits those who “Fall for the ARK” on Saturday, Sept. 10.

The annual Animal Rehabilitation Keep benefit dinner, hosted by Friends of the Ark, is set for 6 p.m. at the Port Aransas Civic Center, 700 W. Avenue A.

Live, silent and Chinese auctions will be held at the event. Among items to be included in the live auction will be a picnic at the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, a trip on the beach with ARK director Tony Amos while he does his research, handmade ships by Jack Neittercorn and a seven-night stay in Mexico with Deb Trumpy of A Mano that will feature a guided tour during her shopping spree and lodging at a 60-acre hacienda in Oaxaca, Mexico for up to six people.

The Mexico tour and stay will not include airfare. Arrangements may be made to bid on the Mexico package, for those who are unable to attend the event, by sending a silent bid to Friends of the ARK, P.O. Box 755, Port Aransas, TX 78373. Trumpy has requested a minimum bid of $1,500 and all bids must be sent in the mail and be received by Saturday, Sept. 10. Those who wish to continue to bid at the live event, may do so by indicating on the mailed silent bid. Bids will be opened at 5 p.m. and bidders will be contacted before the event opens at 6 p.m. Be sure to include contact information with all mailed bids.

Music by Gary James Moeller will entertain guests and Amos will be on hand to give an update on the happenings at the ARK.

On display will be art from Louis Garcia’s Art for the ARK held in Port Aransas in July, as will an underwater mural scene made by 20 students from H.G. Olsen Elementary School’s latchkey program, under the directions of artist Kat Jones. The mural also will be included in the live auction.

A cash bar will be available and tropical attire is suggested.

Tables for 10 may be reserved for the following levels: $500 gold sponsor, $400 silver sponsor and $300 bronze sponsor. Table reservations may be made by calling (361) 332-6361. Deadline to reserve a table is Monday, Sept. 5. Individual tickets also are available and can be purchased at Gratitude Gift Shoppe, 316 N. Station St., for $25.

Businesses wishing to donate gift certificates or donations for the auctions are asked to call (361) 332-6361 to arrange for pickup.

The ARK is housed on the grounds of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and helps rescue and rehabilitate injured animals and educate the public about wildlife conservation.

For more information about Friends of the ARK, visit www.friendsoftheark.org.