Habitat for Humanity is hoping you make a “B” line to Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre later this month.

On Jan. 17, the centre in Gravenhurst will host Habitat’s second annual Birds and Boats for Builds fundraiser.

A slightly different take on last year’s Bach and Boats for Builds event, the purpose of the gala evening is still to generate money for Habitat’s projects in the Muskoka area.

According to Mary Jane Philp, Habitat for Humanity board of directors, the idea for this year’s event was sparked when artist John De Lang offered a donation of a large carved bird sculpture.

“He’s a great artist, who produces a lot of sought-after carvings,” she said. “It really just started rolling from there.”

Philp said since then event organizers have acquired all types of bird-related items, such as birdcages, binoculars and bird books to put on the block during a live auction at the event. Roughly 100 other items will also be available during the silent auction which runs through the evening. They include an original Doug Dunford painting, lunch at Queen’s Park and a tour with MPP Norm Miller and a six-month membership at Muskoka Fitness.

Taking place at one of the area’s finest museums, Philp said guests will have plenty of time to browse the exhibits if they choose.

“Last year people spent a lot of time just looking through the museum,” she said. “It’s an amazing place. Even if they went through the exhibits last year, there’s still something new.”

Last year’s event sold out, said Philp, and Habitat is hoping to sell all 250 tickets for this year’s event as well.

Habitat for Humanity has been operating in Muskoka since 1999, and is currently completing two semi-detached homes on Wellington Street in Bracebridge, its seventh and eighth homes in Muskoka. They have already acquired the property for their next project in Huntsville, said Philp, and Habitat will select the benefiting family soon.

“It’s a great community builder that brings people together to work on a meaningful project,” said Philp.

The event is slated to run from 7 until 10 p.m. on Jan. 17. The $35 tickets can be purchased at the ReStore in Bracebridge or by calling 646-2555.