Playhouse Auction to Aid the Homeless

Anaheim Angel pitcher Chuck Finley and his wife, Julie “Tawny” Finley, will open the bidding today at HomeAid’s Project Playhouse Auction Party.

The seventh annual fund-raiser benefits HomeAid, a nonprofit organization established by the Building Industry Assn. to build and renovate shelters for temporarily homeless people.

Hundreds are expected to attend the 5 p.m. auction of eight child-sized playhouses, including a teapot, a ship, a theater and a pint-sized California mission. Last year, the average bid was $17,000. The highest bid was $28,000.

The playhouses are on display at Fashion Island Newport Beach through today or via the Internet at https://www.homeaid.org.

Tickets in advance are $20 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 12. Tickets at the door are $25 for adults and $5 for children. Children younger than 4 are free. Information: (949) 553-9510. The auction will be in a tent next to Fashion Island’s Hard Rock Cafe.