Members of the 400 North Board of Realtors are getting an early start on the holiday season.

The group will hold its annual charity auction from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, with all proceeds benefiting organizations that buy Christmas gifts for local children in need.

Sandy Zigler, board services director, said the group has some 500 member real estate agents who work in Forsyth, Dawson and Lumpkin counties.

Due to the size of the area, three charitable organizations were selected as beneficiaries of the auction.

They include: Angels Over Forsyth and the Dawson and Lumpkin Family Connection groups.

"All of these groups collect gifts for children in need," Zigler said.

Last year’s auction drew about 200 people and raised $14,000 for the cause, she said.

"That’s our goal for this year, to raise at least as much as last year."

Tickets to the event are $20 and can be purchased at the door.

The cost includes a buffet dinner and one drink ticket. A cash bar will also be available.

Zigler said a live auction will be held for 10 items, while the remainder will be placed into the evening’s silent auction.

"Some of the higher-end auction items include a trip to South Africa and a trip to Tuscany," Zigler said. "We’ll also have one of the Gem Shopping Network’s hosts as our guest emcee for the night, and they’ve donated two pieces for the auction."

Other items include various gift certificates, sports memorabilia, rounds of golf and health and beauty packages.

Zigler encouraged anyone interested to attend.

"They should come on out and support the community," she said. "It’s all for a good cause."