Constantine Kermes was one of Lancaster's best known and loved artists, and as a tribute to the artist who died in May at 88, one of his paintings will be auctioned to benefit Hospice of Lancaster County.

The vividly-hued abstract landscape was personally selected by his daughter, Kathi Dixon of Lititz. In addition, her husband, artist Reed Dixon, has donated one of his own paintings in memory of Kermes.

The work of Kermes and the Dixons are just two of the impressive offerings in the 25th annual Hospice of Lancaster County Labor Day Auction. The auction will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lampeter Fairgrounds.

"One very exciting piece is by Willow Street artist Dale Ziegler," says Andrea Fox, grants and communications coordinator for Hospice of Lancaster County.

Ziegler was commissioned by volunteer auction chair and close friend Thomas S. Buter to create a special painting to commemorate the auction's 25th anniversary. Using photographs from previous auctions as a reference, Ziegler created a composite incorporating various elements in a design that is reminiscent of an Amish quilt.

In fact, more than 100 pieces of artwork by area artists will be available at the benefit auction.

A limited edition print of "Hannah's Wish" has been donated by Robert and Shirley Garman, Lititz, in memory of their granddaughter, Hannah, who died in June after battling a brain tumor. The little girl was cared for by Hospice of Lancaster County, and her wish was to receive holiday cards. That wish was fulfilled by hundreds of thousands of people who sent cards In "Hannah's Wish," a small child hands a holiday card addressed to Hannah to a mail carrier snowman.

According to Fox, Hospice of Lancaster County's Labor Day Auction is one of Pennsylvania's premier benefit sales. Last year, the action raised more than $325,000 to support individuals coping with end of life and loss.

"This is a very important event for the hospice and there are many items for sale and activities throughout the Labor Day weekend," adds Fox.

Some of those items include quilts, handcrafted Amish furniture, sports memorabilia, vacation packages and the raffle of a new 2009 Dodge Challenger and a 2009 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide motorcycle.

 Food is another big draw. The benefit auction kicks off Saturday with breakfast omelettes at 7:30 a.m. and continues with Pennsylvania Dutch fare such as chicken barbecue dinners, chicken corn soup, funnel cakes, homemade pies and more.

With more than 200 items of sports memorabilia, a few highlights of Monday's auction include a signed photo of Phillies coach Charlie Manuel holding the Commissioner's Trophy, a Nittany Lion replica statue sculpted by Cliff Sheely, a Super Bowl Football signed by Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin, a Steelers game ball signed by James Harrison and a framed, autographed photo of Hank Aaron hitting a home run to beat Babe Ruth's home run record. A complete listing of tennis, basketball, wrestling, baseball, football, NASCAR, Indy Racing, boxing, golf, hockey, Olympians, football and baseball memorabilia can be found at www.hospiceoflancaster.org/lda.htm.

The Hospice of Lancaster County Labor Day Auction has grown tremendously since its start in 1984 by volunteer auctioneer Larry Neuhauser. The first auction was held at Willow Street Fire Company and raised nearly $1,300. Since then, the Annual Labor Day Auction has expanded to all day Saturday and Monday of Labor Day weekend, raising more than $325,000, with some 300 volunteers.

Proceeds from the auction go toward hospice care to nearly 480 patients and their families each day, as well as grief and bereavement support to 5,000 local adults, teens and children each month.

Hospice of Lancaster County 25th Annual Labor Day Auction

Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mon. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Free

Lampeter Fairgrounds, Route 741

Lampeter. 295-3900
www.hospiceoflancaster.org