Helping nearly 75 homeless parents and children in the Sandhills each year, Family Promise of Moore County welcomes the public to its annual Harvest the Promise dine-around event at the Pinehurst Fair Barn, Oct. 11.

More than 10 area restaurants, including Fratello's, Bonefish Grill, Nina's and Rhett's, will participate in the benefit dine-around, as Family Promise encourages bids on a wide variety of silent and live auction items.

Live entertainment and beverages - including beer and wine - are included in the $50 ticket price. Doors open at 6 pm.

"This is a fun night for a serious cause," says Susan Bellew, executive director of Family Promise. "The economic downturn has caused Moore County families to lose jobs, leading to eviction, displacement and hard times. All funds from this annual event help parents keep their kids in school and a hand up as they plan for their future."

Auction items include golf foursome packages, beach weekends, baskets of wine, and a series of experiences that range from a mountain Christmas tree hunting getaway to cooking classes, private flight and shopping trip to Beaufort, a carriage driving experience and painting lessons.

As in years past, the most popular live auction items will include "Sponsor a Child and a Family."

"We have so many Moore County churches that support us through the year by serving food, transportation and caring," says Bellew. "The entire community supports us daily through our Wheels to Work program, homeless prevention, support and others. This is a fun time to celebrate that harvest."

Tickets are now on sale at the Family Promise office in Aberdeen; reservations can be made by calling (910) 944-7149. Tickets are $50 per person or $80 per couple and include food, beverage, entertainment and access to all auction items. Sponsorships and table reservations are still available and start at $100.

Major sponsors of the event include Bradshaw Capital Management and First Pioneer Insurance.

Visit www.fpofmc.org for more information.