The Tri-State Youth Choir Dinner and Auction went off without a hitch Friday night as hundreds gathered at Pump Springs Baptist Church to enjoy a delicious meal and an auction that included several items donated from businesses and community members throughout the area.

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

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.

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 dinner and auction event is very important for the choir as the money raised goes toward funding their mission trip. The dinner and silent auction began at 5 p.m. followed by the live auction beginning at 7 p.m. and closing the night down at approximately 10 p.m.

For the first time ever, this year, the Tri-State Youth Choir Dinner and Auction featured “Celebrity Cake Bakers” from the more than nine churches that are represented in the choir.

Choir performances coming up include: 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.

The Tri-State Youth Choir is always in need of monetary donations to make their mission trip possible. To make a donation, you can contact any director or choir member.