The Tri-State Youth Choir is made up of approximately 70 students, male and female, from right here in the tri-state community. There are several churches and schools represented within this remarkable group of youth.

The group is currently in the middle of their local tour performing at churches in the community while preparing for their annual mission trip that takes place the first week of June in Jacksonville, Fla. On their mission trip, the students and chaperones help in group homes, rehabilitation centers and other areas where their help is needed.

This Friday is the choir’s annual dinner and auction at Pump Springs Baptist Church inside the family life building.

This event is very important for the choir as the money raised this Friday night will go toward funding their mission trip. The dinner and silent auction will begin at 5 p.m. On this year’s dinner menu is spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, and homemade desserts that will be provided by the youths’ parents.

The silent auction will close at 6:30 p.m. and the live auction will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. The tickets can be purchased from any choir member or Friday at the door.

Here are just a few of the items that are available to bid on Friday night:

• Two free nights at Hampton Inn Beach Front Jacksonville Beach;

• Four nights at Edisto Beach;

• Chris Stapleton Tickets;

• Rick Barnes autographed basketball;

• Three hours tuition at LMU;

• Pontoon boat rental;

• Dumpster rental;

• Gift certificate for England Furniture;

• Rock Harbor four-night stay and pontoon boat usage;

• Gas grill;

• Jewelry;

• Haymaker Event Center four-hour use;

• Set of women’s golf clubs and golf balls;

• Ukulele;

• Vintage tea set;

• Furniture;

• Crystal pieces;

• Photography;

• And much, much more.

For the first time ever, the Tri-State Youth Choir Dinner and Auction will be featuring “Celebrity Cake Bakers” from the more than nine churches that are represented in the choir. So, come out and purchase one of these amazing cakes from our Local “Celebrity Cake Bakers.”

The choir is under the direction of Melissa and Ben Dishner, with help from many others including Judy Robertson, who with her late husband Edwin, co-founded the choir over 30 years ago. Seth and Tiffany Oakes provide annual assistance, along with Danny Chumley, Daniel Chumley and Jonathan Poore. Many parents and other adults help with the effort as well.

Choir performances coming up include: May 5, Midway Baptist Church in New Tazewell; May 19, Trinity Baptist Church in Middlesboro; May 29, Pump Springs Baptist Church in Harrogate. All performances begin at 6 p.m.

For more information, you can call 423-869-8323.

Everyone is invited to attend the performances and activities.

To make a donation to the auction, contact any director or choir member.