It has stained-glass windows, soft yellow wallpaper and a 2-foot-tall armchair ready to sink into after a hard day on the playground.

A loft looks over the living room. A chandelier hangs in the foyer. And flowered drawer-pulls decorate kitchen cabinets.

No, this little jewel isn't featured on HGTV -- at least not yet. It's a children's playhouse -- a very carefully decorated, custom-made children's playhouse.

Built by volunteers with donated materials, the playhouse will be auctioned off at the String of Pearls Charity Ball, set for Oct. 27 at Modesto Centre Plaza. Money raised goes to children's services offered by the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.

"Hopefully, it will bring in some big money for the kids," said Jim Bland of J&M Construction, who coordinated building of the playhouse.

Big money is right. Bland hopes bids for the playhouse will start at $5,000.

Twenty-one people and businesses pitched in to help build the playhouse. Not counting labor, Bland figures the materials and furnishings are worth about $8,000.

The playhouse measures 13 feet tall and weighs about 10,000 pounds. It sports gutters and outside outlets for rigging holiday lights.

Inside, a chair and settee upholstered in striped yellow fabric make up the living room. Carpet lines the loft. Crown molding sets off the walls.

"This is like a custom home," said David Jones, spokesman for the Health Services Agency.

Although the playhouse is billed as the highlight of the event, there also will be music (smooth jazz by Modesto band Michael Joseph) and strolling entertainers (including magician Russ Peak).

Turlock auctioneer Max Olvera will call the live auction. There will also be a silent auction.

Costumes are welcome -- and encouraged -- at the ball, sponsored by UPN 31 KMAX-TV, KRVR The River, CableOne and The Modesto Bee. Black-tie dress is optional.

The Health Services Agency Foundation hopes to raise more than $30,000 with the event. All proceeds will go to services that help keep children healthy.

That's fitting, considering the playhouse will help keep children happy. "All this," Bland said, "is for the kids."

The playhouse will be on display at Modesto's Tenth Street Place from Monday through Oct. 27. Foundation officials will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Tuesday to answer questions.

The Health Services Agency Foundation String of Pearls Charity Ball will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. A sit-down dinner will be at 7:30 p.m. Dancing will begin at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $75 each. Call 558-4500 or go to www.hsafoundation.org.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.