The St. Ignace Lions Club is gathering prizes for its Saturday, May 13, Lions Roar Auction, and organizers are pleased with the variety of auction items coming in, said Paula McNamara of the Lions Club. The fundraiser, a family event offering free pizza, pop, and a benefit cupcake raffle, will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Ignace Middle School. The auctioneer will be Charlie Fowler of St. Ignace.

A half-day fishing charter from Dennis Gorsuch of St. Ignace, valued at $400, and dining certificates from Grand Hotel's new restaurant, The Gate House, and Iroquois Hotel, both on Mackinac Island, will be offered for auction to the highest bidder, as will many gift certificates from local businesses.

"We are very pleased with the prizes we've collected for the auction, and the overwhelming generosity of the town in supporting the event," Ms. McNamara said. "We will offer a handmade Adirondack chair from Fred Strich and beautiful photographs by David Latva and Dave Kunze."

Many St. Ignace and Mackinac Island merchants contributed merchandise for the event, Ms. McNamara said.

A highlight of the auction will be a $5 drawing for a lucky cupcake containing a pearl and emerald ring.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit future projects of the St. Ignace Lions Club, including scholarships and participation in sight-saving programs.