When was the last time that you enjoyed an evening of fun, food and spirits … all while having 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting a charitable cause?

Attending Tidewater Builders Association's Spring 2010 Homearama Charity House Preview Party on Friday, May 7, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. will do just that. The evening will kick off the first spring Homearama in TBA's history while also benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Virginia (BGCSEVA).

Held in Isle of Wight County's Founders Pointe, you won't want to miss this evening full of fun, food and spirits in the resort-style community. Food will be provided by Cuisine & Co., Baker's Crust, Harris Teeter, Bennett's Creek Farm Market & Deli. Watch the sun set from the 844-foot observation pier, be the first to tour the eight showcase homes and celebrate the kickoff of the 16-day showcase event with the Homearama builders.

Early birds will get a discounted ticket price of $40 until April 30. After that, tickets will cost $50. To order your tickets online, visit www.bgcseva.org or www.tbaonline.org/events.php. Tickets can also be obtained at any Boys & Girls Clubs or by calling TBA at (757) 420-2434.

The BGCSEVA is also the benefactor of the Homearama Charity House, which was built by Simply Custom of Sasser Construction, a Portsmouth-based home builder. Club members painted a mural depicting the surrounding Batten Bay and its wildlife in the garage of the Charity House, which will be on display throughout the show.

When the home is sold, proceeds will go to the BGCSEVA, which serves at-risk boys and girls of low- to moderate-income families in need of nurturing, understanding and guidance in meeting the demands of homework, socialization and building self-esteem.

Sasser Construction has a history of community service. The company built out the Maryview Foundation Health Care Center that provides care for the uninsured and was the lead builder for the 2008 Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build in Suffolk, after building a Habitat home in the Portsmouth blitz in 2006.

In addition to the fully furnished and landscaped showcase homes, Homearama will feature an Idea Center that will offer hundreds of products for the home and garden. It's open May 8-23, noon until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

General admission cost $10 for a one-day pass and $17 for a two-day pass. Active duty and retired military guests and seniors (62 or better) get a $3 discount Mon.-Thurs., and a $1 discount on weekends. Children 12 and under and guests in wheelchairs are free. Ticket sales will stop one hour before closing.

More information and a $3 discount coupon are available at www.homearama.tv.