By Nancy Young
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - A deep-sea fishing trip, a diamond pendant, and Bengals and Reds tickets are on the auction block for this year's Key Event, which benefits the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty.

The 10th annual event Sept. 20 will have 420 guests at $150 per couple. It begins with a cocktail party and silent and live auctions at the Cincinnati Marriott North.

Besides sports tickets and outings, a diamond pendant valued at $5,000 will be up for bids.

Also, there will be a raffle for a $25,000 original oil painting from riverboat artist Michael Blaser.

Following the cocktail party, guests receive a key that unlocks their dining location at one of 25 West Chester and Liberty townships homes, with catering provided by Chef's Choice for 10 to 26 guests in each home.

"The Key Event is a fabulous opportunity for enthusiasts of The Community Foundation to support the organization, while meeting and dining with other community residents in unique surroundings," said event co-chair Maria Schrudder of West Chester.

Foundation grants made to date in 2003 include Reach Out Lakota, Senior Citizens Inc., RainMakers program for Hispanic residents, Make a Wish Foundation, Butler County American Red Cross, West Chester Library and Kids 2 Kamp.

The Key Event will conclude with an after-dinner party at the home of Dick and Patti Alderson in West Chester. The Aldersons are a founding family of The Community Foundation, and Patti is president of the organization's board of directors.

"Ten years ago, at the first Key Event, we had to beg 200 guests to attend, and this year we expect another sellout crowd with more than 420 people enjoying the 2003 Key Event," she said.

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Information: The Community Foundation, 874-5450.