Tickets are still available for the Treasure Valley's premier fundraising event, the FUNDSY Gala Dinner and Charity Auction, held once every two years to support capital improvements within the Boise area's arts, education, civic and social services community.

This year's event, on May 3 at the Boise Centre on The Grove, marks the 41st annual staging of the most unique benefit auction in the area supporting groups and causes that make a difference in the quality of life for everyone in the Treasure Valley. The highlight of the gala is the live and silent auctions that have featured vacation destinations, cars, jewelry, and dining experiences.

This year's selected beneficiaries of the 2008 event are:

• The Learning Lab works to increase literacy in our community.

• Neighborhood Housing Services helps make housing affordable and accessible.

• Friends of the Idaho Historical Museum contributes to preserving the heritage of the Valley and state.

What is FUNDSY?

Created in 1967 for the purpose of raising funds for capital improvements at the YMCA. At the time FUNDSY stood for “Funds Serving the Y.” After several years of successful auctions, the founders decided to accept proposals from other non-profits and choose other beneficiaries on an every-other-year basis. Because funds for capital improvements, “bricks and mortar,” were more difficult for charities to raise, as grants and corporate giving usually are restricted to programs, founders decided FUNDSY would fill this important need. FUNDSY now stands for “Funds Serving YOU.”

FUNDSY has raised over of $6,900,000 for various community projects.

Tickets are $250 and can be purchased by calling 353-0011 or e-mail execdir@fundsy.org.

Larissa Lamson