Politicians, business and community leaders will don their aprons and work for tips at the Second Annual Stars for Kids Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Auction Saturday, Sept. 25, benefitting Child Care of Southwest Florida Inc.

A dozen local celebrities have signed up so far to be celebrity waiters at the event, to be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa. Individual tickets are $100 and may be purchased by calling 278-1002 or visiting the website at www.ccswfl.org.

Carol Conway of CRS Technology, who was last year’s “Most Appreciated Celebrity Waiter,” and Auctioneer Scott Robertson (who also is vice-chairman of the charity’s board of directors) will share duties as mistress and master of ceremonies.

“We want everyone to have fun, enjoy a scrumptious meal prepared by the chefs at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, and be generous in their tips to help support our kids,” said Beth Lobdell, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida Inc.

Celebrity waiters confirmed so far include Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah; Fort Myers Police Chief Doug Baker; Jim Martin, president of the Edison State College, Lee campus; Steve Gliner, general manager of Miracle Baseball; Corey Clark, general manager of Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa; John Mann Jr. of Integrated Benefit Solutions; Lisa Cronin-Miller of LARC; and Roger Mercado of Lee County United Way.

Rounding out the Celebrity Waiter roster is Artist Jan Ellen Atkielski, who will be painting small canvasses at her table throughout the evening that will be available for sale.

At a celebrity waiter dinner, guests ask the celebrity waiter at their table to serve their meals and perform “extra duties” in exchange for additional tips. The waiter who collects the most tips from his/her table wins the coveted 2010 “Most Appreciated Celebrity Waiter Award,” which was won last year by Carol Conway of CRS Technology.

The evening also will include both silent and live auction items. Live auction items include a one-week vacation in Hawaii valued at $3,000, a three-day, two-night stay at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, jewelry from Dunkin’s Diamonds, autographed sports memorabilia from the Minnesota Twins and the Miami Dolphins, and a private wine-tasting in your home for 15 of your closest friends.

Silent auction items include tickets to area attractions, restaurant certificates, tickets to SeaWorld, and a private suite at a Miracle Baseball game. Robertson, who has many years of auctioning experience, will serve as auctioneer.

Funds raised during the evening will be used to provide scholarships for low-income children to receive child care in the six centers operated by Child Care of Southwest Florida Inc.

Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality child care services throughout Southwest Florida. The agency provides child care for children from infancy through age eight at its six child care centers in Lee and Hendry counties. In addition, it offers training for early childhood professionals, and administers the federal food program for eligible centers and family child care homes throughout Southwest Florida. The agency must rely on generous donations and volunteer efforts from members of the community, corporations and foundations to build and maintain programs that make a difference to low-income children. Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc., is a United Way agency.

For more information about Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc., or the Stars for Kids Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Auction, please call Linda McNabb at 278-1002 or visit www.ccswfl.org