CONNOQUENESSING TWP - Get those credit cards out and those dialing fingers warmed up - its time for the 24th Butler Area Merchants Association's BAMA Auction.

Stan Kosciuszko, the Butler County Chamber of Commerce president, said this is the next to the last auction for BAMA.

"We will end next year after the 25th auction," he said. "It's just time to move on to a new fundraiser. It's been really fun and we've raise over $1 million for the county's nonprofits, but everyone has decided that next year's auction will be the last."

The auction, which benefits nonprofit organizations in the county, begins at 6 p.m. Friday and runs from 6 to 10 p.m. through Sunday with "celebrities" hosting the auction and taking bids.

A joint community-service project for Armstrong and the chamber, the auction features items donated by county businesses, organizations and individuals.

Broadcast on Armstrong's Access Channel 10 from the National Guard Armory on Kriess Road in Connoquenessing Township, this year's auction proceeds are earmarked for the Specialty Outreach Services, Butler Little Theater, Katie's Kitchen and Lifesteps Geriatric Adult Day Health Service Program.

For information or to make a last minute donation, call 724-283-2222.