The public will get a chance to buy some time with their favorite local celebrities at a "People Auction" tomorrow evening in the Events Center of the Pahrump Nugget.

The festivities, benefiting No to Abuse, will begin with a no-host bar at 6 p.m. and the auction starts at 7.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Ron Frazier said the idea for the fundraiser should be credited to former events coordinator for the Pahrump Nugget, Lori Doller, and Karen Jackson of KNYE Radio.

"This idea was all theirs," he said. "They have put it together. It's their baby."

Frazier said he's gotten favorable feedback when discussing this event during other functions. "People are excited about it. Everyone is looking forward to having some fun."

On the auction block are businesspeople, law enforcement, local TV celebrities, various town management and politicians.

With some of those being auctioned already in the local spotlight for different reasons, Frazier laughed and said, "They should bring a good price."

The opening bid for each of the willing volunteers is $50.

The winning bidder will be entitled to lunch or dinner and conversation with the VIP.

It's time to plan bidding strategy. Some of the celebrities are going to be very "in demand." On the block are Nye County Manager Rick Osborne, Pahrump Town Manager Bill Kohlbarger, Pahrump Valley High School Principal Max Buffi, Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo, Linda DeMeo, Nye County Undersheriff Richard Marshall, Chief Civil Deputy District Attorney Ron Kent, Bill Verbeck from Great Basin College, news anchor Selwyn Harris of Channel 41, general managers Jeremy Jensen of the Pahrump Nugget and Jack Crane from Saddle West.

Nye County commissioners Butch Borasky and Gary Hollis are up for auction as well as Pahrump chamber director Lucy Ivins, Tom and Alice Saitta, Karen Jackson and more. Anyone wanting to volunteer to step up on the "block" is welcome to sign up by calling Frazier at 727-3600.

Frazier said grant money has been "hard to come by." The money raised will go toward keeping the food bank filled and providing for the children and spouses who are victims of abuse.

Tickets are $5 and Frazier said he thinks this will be a fun event for a good cause. "When you can have fun and raise money at the same time, it really works."