The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary is gearing up for the 36th annual soup and sandwich luncheon, bake sale and silent auction, which is set to run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in Wesley Hall at Crawford Street United Methodist Church.

“Members are busy planning, organizing and preparing for our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Tina Grau said.

Grau is serving as chairman of the silent auction for this year’s event, which includes helping provide dollars for Vicksburg’s children, youth, seniors and the Angel Tree program.

As in years past, the luncheon menu will consists of homemade beef vegetable soup, a homemade pimento cheese sandwich, a cookie and beverage.

“We will have about 20 to 25 auxiliary members volunteering with the luncheon, and on Monday students from the local high schools will help us cut sandwiches and bag the brownies,” co-chairman of the fundraiser, Jacque Henley said.

Only 800 tickets will be available for the luncheon, and the cost is $8.

To purchase a ticket, call 903-263-9507, 601-831-4459 or 765-714-8349.

Mayor George Flaggs, Aldermen Michel Mayfield and Willis Thompson, State Rep. Alex Monsour, State Sen. Briggs Hopson and Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney will serve as celebrity waiters during the luncheon, and take-out lunches will also be available.

Each year the SAWA dedicates the fundraiser luncheon to past members, and this year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Katherine Varner, a SAWA member for 34 years and Mabel Peterson, an 18-year member.

Both women were very active in The Salvation Army, Grau said.

As the largest fundraiser for the SAWA, the luncheon raises $10,000 to $12,000, Henley said, adding last year $15,000 was raised.

The bake sale and silent auction procedes help with the final totals of the fundraiser.

Silent auction items can be viewed the day of the lunch and by visiting vixsawa.weebly.com/2015-silent-auction-offerings.html.

Items include artwork, homemade quilts, crocheted caps, Christmas decorations and stockings, lathe-turned bowls, lamps, books and gift certificates from local merchants.

The purpose of the SAWA is to raise public awareness of The Salvation Army, to furnish volunteer workers and facilitate services to the needy, to assist in disaster relief and emergency shelters, leadership in group work, visitation of hospital patients and fundraising in support of The Salvation Army programs.

Judy Monroe is chairman of this year’s event with Pat Wines and Jacque Henley as her co-chairs. Cheryl Lloyd is bake sale chairman. Tina Grau is silent auction chairman, with Martha Roberts as co-chairman.