'Little Gifts for Life' auction to benefit University Hospital's children's cancer center is set for March 30 at the Oncenter

The fifth annual dinner and auction "Little Gifts for Life" to benefit University Hospital's Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders is set for Friday, March 30 at the ballroom of the Oncenter, 800 S. State St.

A Patron Preview Party will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a silent auction at 7 p.m. A dinner and a live auction will start at 8 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the popular local band Atlas.

The auction is organized by the families and friends of pediatric patients, physicians and nurses from the Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders and Children's Miracle Network staff. Funds raised from the event are used for equipment, research, and patient and family programs. Each year a "big gift" is chosen from the many items on the center's wish list. This year, sleeper chairs will be the big gift that will be purchased with a portion of the auction proceeds. The comfortable reclining chairs will allow parents to stay at their children's bedsides overnight.

University Hospital is the only hospital in Central New York to offer comprehensive pediatric services for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders including leukemia, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and solid tumors.

For reservations or more information about "Little Gifts for Life," please contact the Children's Miracle Network office at 464-4416.