Every year there are new and wonderful treasures. One special offering this year is a 10-day stay in a fully accessible Luther, Montana cabin. This generous donation is from Charlie Braun of Equal Access Homes.

Another great and fun auction item is a gift basket from celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, whose work include everything from the Bizarre Foods television show to ongoing campaigns about eating right.

An iPad from Care Planners is another item many people will be bidding on. Friends of Access Press founding editor Charlie Smith won’t be able to resist bidding on cribbage boards with Charlie’s picture, donated by Access Press and The Cribbage Guy.

Gift cards from Hell’s Kitchen, Buca di Beppo, Breadsmith, the Wedge, Mississippi Market , Panera Bread and more are available, as are handcrafted items and specially designed gift baskets. Services are also offered for bid. Bid on tickets for events ranging from the Elko Speedway to the Buckwheat Zydeco show at the Ordway to the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage.

Bidding can start before the banquet, and raffle tickets are also available. Call 651-644-2133 with questions or go online to www.testing.accesspress.org/the-charlie-smithaward/silent-auctionfor the latest updates on silent auction and raffle items, and information on bidding.

The Charlie Smith Award is named in honor of the late Charlie Smith, founding editor of  Access Press, This annual awards ceremony has been held since 2003, offering an opportunity to bring many individuals and organizations together celebrate accomplishments within Minnesota’s disability community. There are still tickets available for the banquet, which is at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott, 2020 East American Blvd., Bloomington. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the start of the silent auction and raffle. The sit-down dinner and award ceremony are at 7 p.m.

Cost is $45 per person or $325 for an 8-person table (save $35) in advance. The cost at the door is $50 per person. Register online and go to the Charlie Smith Award tab on the newspaper website www.accesspress.org

Or banquet attendees can mail checks to  Access Press, Attn: Dawn, 161 St. Anthony Ave., # 910, St. Paul, MN 55103. A third option is to call the office and make the transaction

over the phone, at 651-644-2133

Banquet sponsorships are also still available, at levels ranging from $200 to $400. Contact the newspaper office at 651-644-2133 or dawn@testing.accesspress.org Details about sponsorship are available on the newspaper website, www.testing.accesspress.org