Scott Brown Visit, Year of Sam Adams Beer Part of Braintree Youth Center Auction Friday

Participants in the live and silent auctions being held on Friday to support the could win a South African Safari, a ride to school from the , a flat screen TV and even a meet and greet with Republican Senator Scott Brown.

A year ago, in response to the possibility the center may have had to shut its doors, members of the community got together and held a dinner and fundraiser at Emerald Hall that raised more than $30,000. That and a California Pizza Kitchen event that raised another $4,000 sent the BCYC on its way to surer financial footing. This Friday, Jan. 27, the youth center will host its second annual "winter cookout," also at Emerald Hall, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Tom and Janice Weitbrecht have donated the services of their Braintree-based auctioneering firm for the event and have, along with other supporters, gathered a lengthy list of auction items. Also included so far is a year of beer from Sam Adams, ski passes, hotel stays including the Liberty Hotel & Quincy Marriott, a signed Bruins hockey puck, a tour of the State House and much more.

Food will include Chicken & Steak Kabobs, Corn on The Cob, Potato Salad and other items. DJ Ray Productions will provide entertainment. Tickets are $30 each and were still available as of early this week, though the deadline for purchase (only online) is during the day on Thursday.

For tickets and more information, go to http://januarycookout.eventbrite.com. And to find out more about the BCYC, including how to book a birthday party or join, go to www.braintreeyouthcenter.org.

The center started as a Braintree Rotary Club project and opened in 2007. It is open for kids in grades 6 through 12 and dozens of them come every Friday and Saturday night to play video games, compete in pool and ping pong tournaments, eat snacks and just hang out.