The fun will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple.

Denise Halverson, director of engagement at Friendship Haven, said the event will feature both silent and live auction items. About 70 items will be included in the silent auction.

Mobile bidding will be used for the silent auction.

“Basically, instead of handwritten bids, participants will have the opportunity to use their smartphone to place bids and for those who do not have Smartphones we will have auction helpers to assist with bidding,” Halverson said. “It’s fast, it’s fun, and it encourages competitive bidding.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Bryn Lundberg, at left, along with her mom, Beth Lundberg, both of Fort Dodge, look over a painting that was part of the silent auction at the Friendship Haven Legends Tailgate fundraiser Friday evening.

The silent auction items may be viewed in advance by going to tailgate18.givesmart.com.

A total of nine live auction items will go to the highest bidder.

An authentic autographed Master’s Championship golf flag, autographed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, is one of those items.

There’s also a rock ‘n’ roll superstars electric guitar signed by guitar greats Eddie Van Halen, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Slash, The Edge, Pete Townshend and Neil Young.

Every year, a trip is one of the items, Halverson said.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Brantley Johnson, 2, of Rockwell City, is all smiles as he looks over a toy firetruck that was being used to promote one of the live auction items at the Friendship Haven Legends Tailgate fundraiser. The winner of the item gets a free ride to school in a Fort Dodge Fire Department fire truck.

This year a three-night stay at Elevation Hotel and Spa in Crested Butte, Colorado, is the destination.

“That’s a full package: airfare, car rental, spa time,” Halverson said. “It’s a great time.”

Four VIP tickets to Luke Bryan Harvest Time in the Ziel Farm in Boone is another item.

Dean Farnham and Scott Klingson are the auctioneers.

The menu this year includes smoked pork loin, charbroiled burgers, snacks and refreshments, including adult beverages.

Lone Tree Revival will provide the entertainment.

“Our live entertainment makes this year, really,” Halverson said. “They are a hot new local rock band featuring a funky backbeat and soulful horn section.”

She added, “This is a fine group of music professionals. They specialize in live venues.”

Proceeds from the event go to the Good Samaritan Fund.

“It helps our residents who have special needs or can no longer afford the entire cost of their care,” Halverson said. “Although circumstances may have exhausted their resources, this charitable mission ensures them the opportunity to continue living a life filled with faith, passion, and purpose at Friendship Haven.”

Halverson said the event wouldn’t be possible without great support from the community.

“We rely on the generosity of the community to ensure the success of the event,” Halverson said. “On a night perfect for tailgating fun, which it promises to be, come enjoy good company and delicious meal and the soulful music of Lone Tree Revival.”

Tickets can be purchased at the Friendship Haven Welcome Center today or at the gate on Friday. The gate is located under the shaded oak trees on the town home lawn across from Kenyon Place.

Friendship Haven Legends Tailgate

Where: Friendship Haven

When: Friday

Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cost: $15 per ticket or $25 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at the Friendship Haven Welcome Center today or at the gate on Friday.

Presented by: Citizens Community Credit Union, Shimkat Motor Co., E. John Zuerrer, Gunderson Funeral Home &

Cremation Services