SABRA Sanctuary, Inc. held its annual Charity Dinner and Auction Thursday night at the George P. Evans Reception Center.

The auction started in 1991 and raises money to help the sanctuary better aid victims of domestic and sexual violence.

“Tonight is really needed for us because we need more money so we can go in and help the victims and survivors,” said Nancy Travis, executive director of SABRA Sanctuary, Inc. “We’re real excited about everything we’re doing.”

Hundreds of people were in attendance, and many SABRA supporters went home with great buys from the silent and live auctions.

“We’re so excited we’re sold out. We sold 33 tables. We’re just excited about the money we raised tonight from all the wonderful auction items that we’ve got donated,” Travis said. “We have 11 sponsors, and we’re so excited about the sponsors. We couldn’t do it without our sponsors and we truly thank [them].”

Travis said the auction is a great way for people to fellowship, eat, purchase items and give back to a good cause.

“It’s a good chance for people to get out and … for us to be a part of the community and to let people know who we are and what we are and what we stand for,” Travis said.

MaeMae Jackson, chairman of the board for SABRA Sanctuary, agreed and added that by having an event of that magnitude, many people are able to find out about SABRA and the good that it’s doing in the community.

“This is an opportunity for us to make sure the community knows we exist, that we do a lot of good for Selma itself and for other counties,” Jackson said. “We really do want people to be aware and try to help take care of our citizens of Selma.”

Travis and Jackson agreed that it’s the support of the community, from donating the items to attending the function, that keeps the sanctuary open for those in need.

“We want to thank everybody for all their support, [and] for all the donations,” Jackson said.