FREEBORN — Organizers are gearing up for an event in its fourth year that just keeps growing and growing.

The Freeborn Area Cancer Auction starts at 6 p.m. Friday and continues Saturday starting at 1 p.m. While the auction list is long and again includes many items like a TV, iPod, laptop computer, cedar chest, shotgun freezers and more than 70 baskets filled with all kinds of goodies, what’s special this year is thanks to the late Kevin Savick, a local historian.

“He left us his cat collection,” Jeanette Ladlie, event chairwoman, said.

That includes figurines, painted plates, collectibles, paintings and large lighted cabinets with glass shelving, among other items. Ladlie said before Friday’s auction organizers will talk briefly about Savick and his life.

The auction continues both days at TB3’s Bar & Grill in Freeborn. On Saturday there will be entertainment by the band All BS from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ladlie said people from all over southern Minnesota come to the auction.

“We want to thank everyone for their support,” Ladlie said.

In its first year the auction raised $12,000, then $27,000 in the second year and finally $38,000 last year. Ladlie said there’s no goal for this year; they’re just thankful to get anything people can give. All the proceeds benefit the 5th District Eagles Cancer Telethon. Ladlie said the telethon’s fundraising efforts all stay in the state and benefit cancer research.

“The surrounding communities have been fantastic with their help,” Ladlie said. “Not too many people have not been touched by cancer, and people are very generous.”

Again this year there will be a raffle, with a drawing at 6 p.m. Saturday. Raffle prizes include cash prizes of $5,000, $1,000, $500, $250 and $100. More information can be found at the auction’s website at www.katoinfo.com/facauction.