One of the lead events in the United Way’s yearly lineup of activities, a benefit dinner and auction, is Friday at 6 p.m. at the Riverwoods Conference Center.

United Way of Cache Valley’s Executive Director Doug Stephenson calls it “A Magical Evening of Giving” which will feature magician Richard Hatch.

“He’s great. He is a deceptionist. I was on the front row of a Chamber of Commerce event where he performed and I could not understand how he did what he did. I was shaking my head. He is a great showman – we’re looking forward to his performance.”

There will be a silent auction from 6-7 p.m. Auctioneer Layne Parker and is family will handle the live auction. Jim Hill, general manager of the Deseret Industries will be the keynote speaker.

“A lot of local businesses have been very generous. We have most of the hotels; a lot of the restaurants in town have donated. The University has donated some great stuff, (and) the Logo Shop has given us a lot of great things to auction off,” Stephenson said. “A lot of professionals have donated their services to auction off including a dentist, an attorney, a chiropractor and an accountant. And the Mayor and the County Executive are auctioning off a lunch or dinner with them. It’s going to be a great evening.”

Proceeds from this and other United Way events helps support 18 Cache Valley agencies such as the Community Food Pantry, Bridgerland Literacy, CAPSA, Child and Family Support Center, the English Language Center and many other agencies that help people in the valley facing struggles in their lives.           

“All the money we raise stays here, it goes right to these agencies, we don’t send it to Salt Lake or any place else,” Stephenson said. “We have our own chapter of the United Way that’s probably been here for 40 years. We estimate we have raised more than $4 million for the valley during that time.”

Ticket information is available at 753-0317.