The Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild is sponsoring an “Afternoon Extravaganza” at the HART, in Waynesville at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.  The event will feature the “Sound of Music” ballet performed by MusicWorks and a “Four Seasons” fashion show, displaying knitted items by members of the guild and local yarn shops. A dessert buffet and wine bar will also be available.

This year the “Chinese” drawing will feature many exciting opportunities for winners — from a hot air balloon ride to dinner at the Swag.

Everyone knows that sweaters and scarves keep them warm in the winter — perhaps a little warmer when knitted by a loved one. The early spring wraps knit by local artists pair will with an Easter dress.  This kind of gift and craftsmanship is the reason members of the Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild organize their annual fundraiser to benefit a local charity each year.

“It’s a unique way for members of the guild to give back to the community,“ said DeEtta Eberhardt, guild member and benefit organizer.

This year the recipient of the fundraiser is the Good Samaritan Clinic of Haywood County.  The clinic provides medical care and mental health services to over 4,000 uninsured adults each year.  They also serve a small percentage of patients with Medicaid who do not have a medical home.  This safety net provider has a huge impact on our community.

“I also volunteer at the clinic weekly and I see the hard-working people we serve every day,” said Eberhardt. “To be able to raise money for the clinic by doing something I love is a blessing.  This ministry is serving folks in a very unique way.” By following the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Bible, the clinic has been a unique ministry in our community since 1999.”

With more than 5,000 visits in 2011, the clinic uses the vehicle of health care to witness to patients and help improve their lives in many other ways.

“We do so much more than an office visit here at the clinic,” said Donda Bennett, GSC executive director. “If someone needs prayer, we pray with them. We invite them to church. And at the same time, we take care of their medical needs.  It is exciting to see how far God has brought the clinic this year.”

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the 4th Annual Benefit Event, sponsored by the Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild.  Tickets are $25 and available by phone at 246-4651 or 691-8409.  For more information about the event call 400-4545.

For information about the Good Samaritan Clinic visit www.gschaywood.org.  For more information about the Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild, visit www.smkguild.com.