A Victorian dollhouse built by local carpenters with materials donated by a local trades council will be auctioned at this year's Mercer County Home Show, all to benefit local retarded citizens.

The show will be held Saturday and Sunday at Hickory Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6166 in Hermitage.

The dollhouse, given to The Arc of Mercer County Foundation and MCAR, Inc., will raise funds to benefit county individuals with mental retardation.

This is the second year that Carpenters Union Local 268, in conjunction with the Mercer County Home Builders Association, has built and donated a structure for a MCAR fund-raiser.

Last year, a child's playhouse was raffled off at the home show.

This year's project is a fully assembled Victorian dollhouse, built by union members with materials donated by Mercer County Building and Construction Trades Council.

"The carpenter's union and the trades council were very generous with their time and skills. The workmanship on this dollhouse is remarkable, making it more of a work of art than a plaything," said Karen Gray, foundation/development director for The Arc of Mercer County Foundation. "The house is not just for children to play with; it's also for hobbyists who want to have a legacy of their talent and creativity. And just like a real house, this dollhouse will have a history, because people will lovingly decorate it and pass it down from generation to generation."

"This project is a great benefit to MCAR and the individuals we serve," Ms. Gray said.

The dollhouse is on display at Shenango Valley Mall, Hermitage. Raffle tickets are $5 each or three for $10.

Tickets are available by calling (724) 981-2950 or can be purchased at the mall or during the home show.