Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus presents its first annual Ce - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Who doesn't love pie? Everyone will want to take part in the first annual Celebrity Pie Auction to benefit the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus.

At 2 p.m. on November 18 in the River Center lobby, bring your passion for pie and your competitive spirit to vie for a celebrity pie, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Dozens of Columbus notables such as Jamie Keating, owner and Executive Chef of EPIC Restaurant; Conductor George Del Gobbo of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra; Rick McKnight; owner of The Kiddie Shoppe, Judge Art Smith; John Pezold, Georgia House Representative and Manager of Pezold Management Company; and even Mayor Teresa Tomlinson will bake pies to be placed on the auction block.

"The meringue is sure to fly once the bidding commences," said Celebrity Pie Auction Committee Chairperson Cameron Bean.

YOGC President Gary Wortley has personally witnessed a pie auction in another community, and warns that the event may get out of hand. "You just never know what might happen when someone sets their sights on a particular pie and they get outbid. Caffeine, sugar and fierce competition can be a volatile combination. Some people take their confections seriously."

To make sure no one goes home empty handed, YOGC board members and parents will sell non-celebrity pies from local bakeries and from their own kitchens, whole and by the slice. For the victors who wish to sample their spoils on the spot, or enjoy a slice of pie, seating and coffee and tea will be available.

After the auction, treat yourself to the CSU Schwob School of Music piano studio recital in Legacy Hall at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

All proceeds from the pie auction benefit the talented musicians of the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which depends solely on grants and the generosity of foundation, corporate and individual donors for its funding.

The YOGC string and symphony orchestras attract top middle- and high-school musicians from across the Chattahoochee Valley. Students travel from as far away as Auburn to rehearse each Monday evening with conductor Jim Palmer. The ensembles perform three public concerts, educational concerts for elementary school children and, this year, the orchestra will perform a side by side concert with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Admission for the pie auction is free and open to the public. To donate to the organization, inquire about the concert season or learn more about the YOGC, visit yogc.org or call executive director Dottie Brown at 706-256-3614.

Copyright 2012 WTVM. All rights reserved.