A local business offers a chance to support Haiti —  and to treat oneself too —  this weekend.

Midnight Sun Spas in Austin will host a live auction in its store Saturday morning. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.

The biggest item will likely be Midnight Sun Spa’s own. The business donated a five-person Cal Spas hot tub valued at almost $3,000.

Jim’s SuperValu donated food to provide $2 meals — a barbeque sandwich, chips and pop — during the auction. These proceeds also go to the Red Cross.

“We’re very excited about this event,” said Midnight Sun Spas manager Katie Sollid.

“We just wanted to help in any way we can.��

The multiple-person, round Cal Spa up for auction can operate indoors or outdoors. It has a Redwood skirt and a sand shell.

The store is seeking businesses and individuals to donate more items for the auction before Saturday.

The Mower County of the American Red Cross has not held any organized local fundraisers specific to the Haiti Relief Fund.

“They (Midnight Sun Spas) approached us seeking a legitimate way to get the money to Haiti,” said Red Cross executive assistant Brigitte Campbell. “It is so impressive, this community outreach.”

The local chapter of the Red Cross has raised near $12,000 for Haiti since the earthquake hit through donations designated to that fund.

“It’s really unbelievable that so many people have been coming in asking to help,” she said. “We have just had a revolving door.”

Donations given to the Mower County Red Cross for Haiti go directly to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.

The relief operation in Haiti is already the largest single-country personnel deployment in global Red Cross history, according to www.redcross.org. More than 430 Red Cross and Red Crescent workers, from more than 30 countries, are in Haiti supporting thousands of local volunteers. Red Cross medical responders are treating about 500 people each day and teams are focused on purifying the water supply and are delivering clean drinking water, providing first aid, emotional support, other resources, support and training.

The auction event is Saturday, Jan. 30 at 10:30 a.m. at Midnight Sun Spas, 2206 Fourth St. NW. The live auction begins at 11 a.m.

To volunteer at the event or to donate new items to be auctioned, call Katie at Midnight Sun Spas at 355-7727.

To donate directly to the Red Cross, call 437-4589, stop in the chapter office at 305 Fourth Ave. NW or visit www.recross.org. Text “HAITI” to 90999 to have $10 added to your cell phone bill for a donation.

Auction for Haiti

Saturday, Jan. 30

10:30 a.m.

Midnight Sun Spas

2206 Fourth St. NW