It will be a family affair Sunday at the Atlanta Youth Academy’s ninth annual Benefit Auction.

“People come in church clothes and jeans,” said gala co-chair Sivan Hines, chair of the foundation board for the academy. “And a lot of people tell me they view it as one of the most fun auctions they ever go to.”

It will take place in the afternoon at Mason Murer Fine Art in Buckhead.

Features of the event include live and silent auctions with items like sports tickets, artwork and vacations to Sea Island, Destin and Hilton Head.

“Everything is 100 percent donated, so we’re able to start prices at really low points,” she said. “I think we have something for everyone with varying price points which allows everyone to come and participate.”

She said several people shop for the holidays at the auction because there are unique gifts hard to find elsewhere.

Additionally, the academy’s children’s choir and a live jazz band will entertain guests as they enjoy food and wine. She said the gala usually generates $45,000 to $50,000, and every penny goes toward scholarships for students at the southeast Atlanta school.

“We hope to raise in the $50,000 to $60,000 range,” said academy President Peter Rooney. “We raise about $12,600 per student per year. … Every student receives support.”

Rooney said the gala is also an opportunity for people to meet some of the school’s 120 students and see the results of the faculty’s hard work.

“It’s just awesome to actually meet the kids and see how incredibly well they’re doing,” he said. “Without our school, the majority of our students would not have access to a quality education. We abide by high academic and moral standards and create life-changing opportunities for all of our students.”

Rooney described the academy as a “Christian, inner-city prep school serving students from pre-k through eighth grade to prepare them to go to leading secondary schools in Atlanta and around the country.”

He said students leave the academy to attend schools like Westminster, Lovett and Holy Innocents’ and then move on to higher education at schools like Emory University and Auburn University.

And Rooney said the school would not exist without the support of generous donors.

“We rely on events like the Benefit Auction to ensure these children continue to receive the best educational experience possible,” he said.

If you go:

o What: Atlanta Youth Academy Benefit Auction

o Where: Mason Murer Fine Art, 199 Armour Drive, Buckheado When: Sunday, 3 to 5 p.m.

o Tickets: $25

o Information: www.atlantayouthacademy.com.