Silence is golden.

So say the Tremeloes.

At the McQuade Charity Softball Tournament, the silent auction has been a good way of providing some additional gold to the local charity pot.

So says tournament manager Mike Wolf.

"Four years ago, we were trying to think of other ways to raise funds for charities and we thought a silent auction would be a good avenue to take," Wolf said. "Silent auctions usually work well if there is enough support. It's been good for us."

This year's auction, which is set up at Clem Kelley Diamonds, has between 100 and 125 items.

"That first year, we sent out letters to all of the local businesses and organizations asking for donations, and the response was very good," Wolf said. "We've gotten more items every year."

Wolf said the hottest items usually are sports memorabilia. This year, the list includes bobbleheads and autographed photos of Cincinnati Reds slugger Ken Griffey Jr., who recently hit his 600th career home run; New York Yankees Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte, and North Dakota native Travis Hafner of the Cleveland Indians. There is a bat autographed by Michael Cuddyer of the Minnesota Twins; an autographed portrait of former Twin Paul Molitor; a basketball signed by members of the Harlem Globetrotters; Dakota Wizards jerseys, and items donated by the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild.

"The Minnesota sports teams have been really good about donating things," Wolf said. "And we normally get something from the North Dakota kids who play pro ball - like Travis Hafner. Like everyone else who participates, they know what this is all about, and they're eager to help."

Gift certificates from Bismack and Mandan businesses and organizations make up most of the items. Wolf said the bids usually exceed the value of the certificates.

"We know we can count on that," Wolf said. "People know it's for charity. They're not here looking for a deal."

Last year's auction raised more than $3,500.

"That's the target we're shooting for this weekend," Wolf said. "Since we've started, we've brought in a little more than we did the previous year. We're confident that will be the case again this year."

Two other fund-raising events took place Friday night.

The home run hitting contest drew 102 entries, each contributing $10 to charity. Merel Elk of the Fort Yates Coyotes was the winner, outslugging Jimmy Carmona of Las Vegas Rampage in a hit-off. Both sent five pitches over the fence in the final round to force an extra session. Elk then blasted five more homers to win it.

Elk and Carmona each had eight homers in 10 swings in the preliminaries.

The baserunning contest was won by Fargo resident Brandon Severson, who covered the distance in 10.81 seconds. Participants contributed $5 apiece.

Tournament action got underway Friday with Women's C, Women's D and Men's C teams taking the field. Today's action begins at 7:30 a.m., at diamonds in Bismarck and Mandan.

Friday's games

Women's C

Burnt Creek/Jerome's Distributing of Bismarck 8, M & J Brand Saloon of West Fargo 0. Moritz Sport/Stadium of bismarck 11, Footit Construction of Fargo 4. Saunders Chino/Sports on Tap/Budweiser 6, Gold & Silver of Bismarck 2. Manitoba Farms 12, Tharaldson of Fargo 6.

Women's D

Big Boys/Rud's Tesoro of Bismarck 14, Minot Trucking 0. O'Brian's/Universal Athletic of Bismarck 18, Bellerud of Fargo 5. Orr'iginals of Jamestown 6, Dust-Tex of Bismarck 4. Missouri Valley Ag/Great Plains Technical of Bismarck 1, Quizno's/Dakota Electric of Spearfish, S.D. 0.

Men's C

ETI of Bismarck 22, Deadwood Saloon of Deadwood, S.D. 2. Overtime Bar/Budweiser of Grand Forks 10, Huff Construction/Zoo Bar of Aberdeen, S.D. 9. Minot Air Force Base 7, KEG of Sioux Falls, S.D. 5. Tharaldson's of Fargo 15, Dust-Tex of Mandan 9. Stadium Sports Bar of Bismarck 21, Shiele of Fargo 14. TMT/Skydancer of Belcourt 17, Vic's Bar of Moorhead, Minn. 16. Burnsville, Minn. 18, Bud Light/Jorgy's Sports Bar of Bismarck 6. Spectrum Designs of Bismarck 31, Bellerud of Fargo 16.