NATCHEZ &8212; Leadership Natchez is hoping to put a few thousand dollars worth of extra sunshine into the Sunshine Shelter.

The Chamber of Commerce group will host &8220;A Night of Sunshine&8221; dinner and show Friday in hopes of raising $10,000 for the Natchez-based home for abused and neglected children. The Sunshine Shelter is currently assisting 122 children.

The show, which will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, will start with a reception and silent auction, followed with dinner and entertainment at 7.

&8220;April is child abuse awareness month, and we are thrilled that they have chosen our organization for their project of the year,&8221;

Sunshine Shelter Executive Director Matilda Stephens said. &8220;People think abuse only happens in New York, California and third world countries, but unfortunately it happens here, too.&8221;

The benefit dinner including &8220;celebrity waiters&8221; &8212; local leaders &8212; will be at the Natchez Community Center at 215 Franklin St. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the Natchez Chamber of Commerce.

&8220;We chose the Sunshine Shelter after looking at the

various organizations in the community and evaluating their funds,&8221; said Beverly Raines, a member of Leadership Natchez. &8220;We felt we could have the greatest impact by raising money for them.&8221;

The master of ceremony for the event is Barry Maxwell.

The benefit will include music by the Natchez High School Madrigal Choir directed by Joyce Arceneaux Mathis.

Ron Wood and Mary Nell Rushing along with comedian Clyde Ray Webber will offer entertainment for the evening.