They're fun-loving, they're generous and soon they'll be hosting the best fall festival in town.

On Oct. 26 between 6 and 9 p.m., the women of the 3Cs will present their annual autumn event at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn.

This year's Fall Festival of Food and Wine will offer an evening of fabulous food, amazing auctions and rousing raffles.

According to Marcia Saunders, 3Cs publicity chair, last year's event raised $24,000.

Judy Gardner, the event chair, called the 3Cs "a group of women volunteers who raise money to give to Kootenai County charities." Earlier this year the group distributed $100,000 to local organizations.

Saunders described the Fall Festival dinner as "a huge buffet with food provided by Tim Heinig of the Beachouse restaurant. Tim is the 3Cs' only honorary male member."

A $40 ticket includes dinner and two glasses of wine or beer. It also includes the chance to participate in both a live and silent auction, as well as a raffle.

Among the tantalizing auction items are: dinner for two with Patty Duke and Mike Pearce at Beverly's Restaurant; $1,000 gift card to Hagadone Hospitality Services; a round of golf for four at The Coeur d'Alene Resort golf course, which includes lunch at the Floating Green Restaurant; a six-hour bass fishing trip for four guided by Hall of Fame fisherman, Jim Grassi; and a Don Larsen-signed baseball with a photo signed by Larsen and Yogi Berra.

"They'll also be plenty of baskets for silent bidding," Gardner said, "not to mention our many gift cards."

Raffle tickets, which are six for $5, will give purchasers an opportunity to win a bucket of wine and liquor. The drawing for these will be at the very end of the evening and the winner will have to be there in person to claim the prize.

This is the festival's 11th year.

Reservations: Karen Johnson, (432) 934-6664