You can help women and children find a home by bidding on tiny houses.

For the third year in a row, Dakota Woodlands annual fundraiser will feature more than 150 custom-decorated birdhouses for attendees to bid on. The event, to raise money to help homeless women and children in Dakota County, is scheduled at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Ecolab's Shuman Center, 655 Lone Oak Drive, Eagan.

"Because it's such a unique way to participate, we've really got a lot of attention," said Reyne Branchaud-Linsk, executive director at Dakota Woodlands, a shelter for homeless women and their children.

The birdhouses came about as a way to illustrate the role of the Eagan shelter. Like the birds fly home to the houses, the goal of the shelter is to get women and children who are struggling back in their own homes.

Donna Valentine, who some may know from local radio station K102's morning show, has designed and donated a birdhouse each year so far because the mission of Dakota Woodlands hits close to home with her.

"I'd do anything to help that organization. Anything that's going to support women in need, I am there," said Valentine.

Because her sister was faced with a situation that could have led her to need help from an organization like Dakota Woodlands, Valentine feels the need to ensure other women are taken care of in tough times.

"[My sister] could have very easily been without a roof over her heard and she has four children," she said.

This year, Valentine went with a camouflage design with a little pink mixed in. One of her past designs was making her birdhouse look like a radio.

"Whenever I get the birdhouse, I get it a month in advance," she said. "I try to do a good job."

"This year is going to be bigger and better than ever," said Branchaud-Linsk.

Other birdhouses for auction include three that are autographed by the entire Minnesota Twins team and ones designed by Lynne Rosetto Casper of MPR's Splendid Table, KARE 11's Rena Sarigianopoulos and explorer Ann Bancroft. Even during election season, politicians were also able to come together for one cause, as both Norm Coleman and Al Franken, among others, have donated houses.

"I really think that people are more aware of the economic times," said Branchaud-Linsk of the increased participation. "The concept of one paycheck away [from homelessness] is more apparent than five or 10 years ago."

While the event is a fundraiser, it's also about building awareness. Branchaud-Linsk said displays in Valley Natural Food stores led quite a few people who had never heard of Dakota Woodlands to inquire about helping out.

"They did this fantastic awareness building thing around their birdhouses," she said. "The awareness building is as important for us as the funds."

Dakota Woodlands is hoping for 300 guests at the event and tickets, which go for $50, were still available at the time this article went to press. Beside the birdhouse auction there will be appetizers, dessert, beverages and entertainment.

Those interested in attending can call 651-456-9110 or e-mail communication@dakotawoodlands.org.

(You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www.mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncurrentsouth@acnpapers.com.)

"I really think that people are more aware of the economic times," said Branchaud-Linsk of the increased participation. "The concept of one paycheck away [from homelessness] is more apparent than five or 10 years ago."

While the event is a fundraiser, it's also about building awareness. Branchaud-Linsk said displays in Valley Natural Food stores led quite a few people who had never heard of Dakota Woodlands to inquire about helping out.

"They did this fantastic awareness building thing around their birdhouses," she said. "The awareness building is as important for us as the funds."

Dakota Woodlands is hoping for 300 guests at the event and tickets, which go for $50, were still available at the time this article went to press. Beside the birdhouse auction there will be appetizers, dessert, beverages and entertainment.

Those interested in attending can call 651-456-9110 or e-mail communication@dakotawoodlands.org.

(You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www.mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncurrentsouth@acnpapers.com.)