AUBURN - Children of all ages clutched their plastic bags or Easter baskets in eager anticipation as they waited for the signal to start searching for Easter eggs. As the signal of “go!” was shouted, dozens of children eagerly ran into Harmon Park as the race began.

The local community group Men with a Purpose sponsored the fifth annual Easter egg hunt for local children at the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Auburn Saturday.

“We want to give back to the community,” Men with a Purpose president David Mcleod said.

Two age groups consisting of toddlers to 5-year-olds and 6- to 11-year-olds competed in the egg hunt. Children were on the lookout for a gold and a silver egg that served for first and second prizes.

Taylor Stanton, 11, found the golden egg and won a 10-speed bicycle while Kolby Williams, 10, found the silver egg and won a $25 dollar gift certificate to Walmart.

Danielle Harold, 4, found both eggs in her age group, winning a bicycle and a $20 gift card to Walmart.

The Easter themed activities continued throughout the day. From 3 to 6 p.m. there was an Easter Dance consisting of a fashion show put on by children and Easter baskets were given out.

SIMUKAI, a group of girls who are students at West Middle School sold food and beverages with all of the proceeds going to raise money for a trip to Disney World.

Men with a Purpose consists of six or seven friends that hold annual events for the community throughout the year. One of the community service projects they participate in is raising money together and giving two to three families a Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner every year. Anita Whitaker, program director at Booker T. Washington Community Center, said that she believes these events - and Men with a Purpose - are beneficial for the community.

“They are a positive impact on the community,” Whitaker said.