The community will have a chance to play on a life-size board game while raising money for local organizations.

A scavenger hunt with community leaders contesting over a real Monopoly board will add more excitement to the third annual Amadoropoly fund-raiser at the Sutter Creek Auditorium Feb. 27.

Ticket prices for the event have been dropped to encourage players in these tight economic times.

The life-sized takeoff of the popular board game is hosted by the Amador Community Foundation as a fund-raiser for the Amador County nonprofit community. Last year, 28 organizations raised more than $12,000 to benefit their individual programs. New players joining the 2009 fun include girls' softball, children of the American Revolution, Amador County Fair Foundation and the high school ski team.

"This is an opportunity for the public to have fun, and show support for local charities," explained foundation president Kim Still.

The theme of the event revolves around the concept of the popular Monopoly game. A giant game board will dominate the room, with each of the properties represented by a local group. A $10 ticket purchased at the door, or in advance, entitles the player to $100 in Amadoropoly bucks, a drink ticket and a raffle ticket. Players can contribute to the groups with their Amadoropoly bucks.

As players move around the board, they can choose to pay "rent" or purchase houses or hotels for the charity of their choice. This provides an opportunity to talk directly with representatives from many of Amador County's charities and learn more about the work and needs of local groups. Each charity collects in actual cash the amount of Amadoropoly money the group earns during the game.

Shannon Lowery, foundation executive director, said she is excited at some of the new features to be introduced this year.

For the scavenger hunt, players will draw Chance Cards that have clues about the charities. As they solve clues, players will draw new cards to direct them around the board. Players solving all the clues will be entered into a grand prize drawing.

Also new will be eight high-powered movers and shakers playing against one another in a high-stakes game of Monopoly. For one hour, the challenge will be on to see who will be the wealthiest player. The winner will receive $1,000 Amadoropoly bucks to spend on the charities of their choice and bragging rights for the next year.

Raffle prizes collected by each of the charities will be drawn during the evening. Players can purchase additional raffle tickets, or Amadoropoly bucks, at the M.O.R.E. Money Bank hosted by Bank of Amador. Drink tickets for wine, beer and soft drinks can also be purchased and complimentary snacks will be available at Free Parking.

For more information or tickets, contact the Amador Community Foundation at 223-2148.