By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

CALERA – The Calera Athletic Association dinner is right around the corner.

On Feb. 4, the athletic association will raise money for all of the middle school and high school sports in Calera.

“All of the money goes directly back into the sport,” said CAA President Barbara Gray. “It supplements the sports’ budgetary needs and the coaches’ salary. A lot of sports don’t have ways to fundraise, as they don’t have gate money.

“This helps them and helps us to encourage coaches to come and work for Calera because we are paying them a little more than the stipend salary,” she added. “They get a little bonus. It’s percentage based on how many years they’ve been doing it.”

Tickets for the rib-eye steak dinner are $15, and can be purchased at the door. Bill Davis of Sav Mor Food Outlet in Calera gives the CAA a “really good deal” for the steaks, Gray said.

The dinner, which is held in the Calera High School lunchroom, begins at 6 p.m., and the live auction will follow, with auctioneer Lynn Moon auctioning off everything from massages, electronics, grills, camping gear and more.

“The lunchroom is packed, usually over 350 people,” Gray said. “In the past, we’ve made up to $13,000. We’d like to set the bar way higher. We’re looking for a good turnout.”

Gray said the dress is casual for the dinner, and the silent auction is available for perusal and bidding prior to the dinner.

“They can come by anytime on Friday, during the day or Friday night in the auditorium, and preview anything and bid on it there,” Gray said. “You don’t have to be present to win the bid.

“Calera is playing Thompson Friday night (Feb. 3), so the auditorium will be open from 4-9 (p.m.) while the games are going on. Anyone that can’t come during the day can come at night. All the items will be set up for bidding.”

Tickets for the dinner are $15. Table sponsors are available for $200 per table, which includes eight dinner tickets, a name on the table and in the program. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 682-6100.