"This is one of our two major fund-raisers," Palmquist said. The other is the Holiday House Tour held before Christmas.
For the auction, vacation retreats, tickets for theater productions and sporting events, antiques and art works have been donated.
"We have quite a wide gamut of items," Palmquist said.
She said proceeds would go toward support programs sponsored by the YWCA.
In the Homeshare program, the YWCA tries to help women in transition - either from divorce, separation or job relocation - to find affordable housing.
"As you know, affordable housing can be difficult to locate in Chester County," Palmquist said. "We try to link these women up with families or other women that want to share their homes."
Linking the Generations is a program that matches senior citizens, who live on their own, with area teenagers.
"Sometimes, there is a lot of mistrust between these two groups," Palmquist said. "We try to bring them together on a weekly basis to get to know one another."
The Summer Enrichment Program for Children is set up like a day camp, but Palmquist stressed that it is an enrichment program that in addition to crafts and dancing, offers trips to the library and guidance on writing a summer journal.
"We also have 275 organizations that use our facilities for regular meetings," she added. "The groups can be civic associations, merchants'
clubs and self-help groups. We find people like the atmosphere here and like to come for meetings."
Palmquist said that there would be a silent and live auction. Refreshments, including desserts and beverages, will be served.
IF YOU GO
Time: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Snow date is next Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Price: $5 admission fee.
Place: The YWCA is at 123 N. Church St. in West Chester.
Phone: 692-3737.
