Atlas Ryals has a big challenge in front of him and chances are good he will make it happen because his heart is even bigger than the challenge.

With the help of his Key Club at Cape Fear Christian Academy, the high school sophomore plans to raise $30,000 for Falcon Children’s Home. Atlas and the Key Club can’t do it on their own and they are turning to the surrounding communities for help.

On May 22, there will be an auction at 10 a.m.the Mitchell Building, 101 South Main St., Fuquay-Varina, to raise money to buy a mini-bus for the children at Falcon.

“They need a better form of transportation,” Atlas said. The vans being used now are old and inadequate to take the children where they need to go. The children’s home celebrated 100 years last summer and is one of the largest homes of its kind in North Carolina. It provides a home for children in need of out-of-home placement.

Atlas said he hopes that they reach their goal and that they will be able to buy the bus and have enough left over so there is plenty to buy gas and provide maintenance costs for the vehicle.

His mother, Jewell Ryals, owner of Bostic & Wilson Antiques in Fuquay-Varina, wants to support her son’s efforts in any way she can. She is proud of his work with the Key Club and his efforts to draw in other communities to contribute to this cause. Atlas has received the support of Kiwanis Clubs in Lillington, Coats and Angier, as well as Fuquay-Varina. His leadership skills are evident in his position of District Lt. Governor 12C for the Carolina District of Key Clubs.

Atlas is asking the community to contribute items for the auction. “We have some gift baskets but we need more items for auction or cash if we can get it,” he said.

Main Street Grille, across the street from Bostic & Wilson, will be holding its grand opening on the same day as the auction. They will hold a bake sale, with proceeds to go toward the Falcon Home. For more information or to contribute call 919-210-3194.