The Surry Arts Council will host the annual ArtsBall on March 2 at Cross Creek Country Club. This event includes a silent auction, seated dinner and live music by the Band of Oz.

Preview bidding opens at noon and all are invited to participate. All of the proceeds from the event are used to provide free 2012-13 cultural arts programs for the schools in Surry County. The arts council hopes to raise $20,000 at the event.

Items donated to date include wine, dinners, services, toys, books, furniture, art, gift certificates and many other unique items. More than 300 items have been donated.

Patterson Automotive is donating a vehicle for a live auction.

Tanya Jones, executive director for the Surry Arts Council, said she is still looking for donated items for a silent auction and tickets are still available.

“Everyone is invited to attend,” said Jones. “We are anticipating 100 percent participation from all of the schools. We already had a really positive response to ticket sales. We still have tickets for those who would like to attend.”

Jones said along with a new group of volunteers came some “fresh new ideas,” this year.

Sonia Dickerson is chairing the event and serving as the liaison with the schools. All of the schools are participating with donations. Julie Adams is chairing the food division with help from Joanne Cheatham and Laney Johnson. Nancy Malone, Mary Kilby, Steve Scott, Surry Arts Council board members and others are working hard to organize the event, sell tickets and ensure that the arts remain a part of our area’s school programming.

The cost of the evening is $75 per person, and the public is invited. For further information and to purchase tickets, contact the Surry Arts Council at 786-7998 or email arts@surryarts.org.

Reach Mondee Tilley mtilley@heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1930.