Dana Peterson, left, and Melissa Anderson finish setting up for the tiny-k Early Intervention fundraiser as guests arrive Saturday at the Eldridge Hotel. The group helps children with special needs in the Douglas County area.

As staff and volunteers sold 126 tickets, tiny-k Early Intervention coordinator Dena Bracciano was confident the $10,000 goal could be reached during its annual fundraiser.

The third annual Sweets and Treats fundraiser Saturday at the Eldridge Hotel raised important dollars to give the organization extra equipment and professional development to help work with Douglas County toddlers who have special developmental needs.

“It really helps to supplement our budget so that we can buy the extras that we can’t use state or federal monies for,” Bracciano said.

Even though parents and adults filled the dinner and silent auction at the Eldridge Hotel, 701 Mass., the children were having fun, too.

Parents could drop them off for free baby-sitting at Googols of Fun, 4931 W. Sixth St., which is a big draw for parents.

The evening included prizes such as a football autographed by Kansas City Chief Dante Hall and a basketball signed by the Kansas University men’s team.

The group includes a 14-member board of directors and a 10-person staff that serves 80 to 90 children a day at one time. During 2006, tiny-k served 187 children with special needs in the Douglas County area.

Staff members work with children and their families in areas such as physical therapy and speech and language pathology.

“The issue that’s always continuing is just making sure that young children and their families are heard and recognized and that people are aware of what families need for support,” board member Barbara Schwering said.