The Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The year-long celebration highlights the group's history as members strive to continue their long-held tradition of offering support to the children and families of our community.

Affiliated with the RISD Council of PTA's, the LHAECPTA serves area families with children ages birth to 5 years.

Since 2005, the group has hosted an annual spring fundraiser that includes a local home tour, silent auction and brunch.

This year's event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14th to take place at the Highlands Oaks Church of Christ in Lake Highlands.

"We hope everyone will join us to tour three beautiful Lake Highlands homes," says Brandy Meierhofer, who together with Morgan Martinez, is chairing this year's home tour.

"The event features some absolutely gorgeous homes, including the home of one of HGTV's former Design Star contestants, Jany Lee."

LH Today was able to visit with Jany in her Lake Highlands home last year, following her appearance on the national program. (Read it here if you missed it.)

In honor of the group's 50th anniversary, the host committee is reaching out to the community, hoping to draw former members back for the event.

"We hope to have a large number of our alumni join us for this special event," says April Gorman, who is co-chairing the event's silent auction.

"We'll even be offering exciting door prizes and special recognition to former members who attend. It's going to be a lot of fun!"

Also up for grabs will be a large selection of silent auction items, including gift baskets, entertainment packages and lots of family-friendly and kid items.

"Get ready for some really great auction items this year," says Meierhofer, "as we'll have many items from our new Soiree vendors."

Also up for grabs is the coveted annual membership to the Knights of Columbus pool, here in Lake Highlands. A summer of swimming awaits the highest bidder - with no time spent on the waiting list!

So, mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 14th. You won't want to miss this fabulous annual event.

Tickets are just $25 and include the tour, as well as brunch. Email Silent Auction Coordinator Carolyn Potter at to purchase yours.

Childcare will be available in the nursery at Highland Oaks Christian Church, but reservations are required, so contact Lisa Wentzel at for more information.

Pictured above are (left to right) Voscia Walker, Auction Committee Member; April Gorman and Carolyn Potter, Silent Auction Coordinators; and Morgan Martinez, Home Tour Coordinator. Not pictured: Brandy Meierhofer; Home Tour Coordinator