If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Bryan County United Way has something for you.

The organization is hosting a Dessert Reception and Silent Auction on Friday from 7-9 p.m. at the Steven’s Wetlands Center in J.F. Gregory Park.

Tickets to the event are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Tickets allow a person to sample desserts donated by a number of local restaurants and bid in a silent auction, said Wendy Sims, a member of the United Way Advisory Board. Bidding on silent auction items -- which include golf packages, gift cerificates and more -- begins at 7 p.m. Winners will be notified and don’t have to be present to win.

All proceeds go to help fund United Way programs in Bryan County. And it’s a new way for the organization to try and raise money.

"The United Way campaign usually starts in September," Sims said. "However, we just don’t have the industry that the surrounding counties have. So we’re taking a different approach this year, starting early and with fundraisers as opposed to just seeking donations from the community."

Among the programs the Dessert Reception seeks to help is Shephard’s Supper in North Bryan. It delivers hot meals to approximately 100 low income and disabled senior citizens each week.

Sims said she looks forward to a good turnout at the event, the first of a number planned for 2010.

"We’re also planning a mother-daughter fashion show in May and a Little Miss United Way-Bryan County pageant in July," she said.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact United Way-Bryan County Director Janice Blunt at 653-5344.