Last year, their club raised over $30,000 for Coupeville high school seniors — and the Coupeville Lions plan to do it again — or top that.

The club is hosting its annual auction on Feb. 23 with the goal of providing scholarships to high school seniors.

“Last year, we gave a scholarship to everyone who applied,” club Vice President Brian Pulk said.

“Our higher mission is to serve the community.”

Approximately 20 seniors received scholarships from the 2018 fundraiser, Pulk said. The amount of scholarship money awarded to each student is based on school performance and need.

In 2017, the Lions raised about $27,000.

There will be wine, beer and cheeses available for active bidders at the silent auction tables. The dinner menu includes chicken Marsala and sockeye salmon. Side dishes include Oystercatcher bread, garlic blue cheese mashed potatoes and green beans with almonds.

“It’s orca-friendly salmon,” Pulk noted.

Coupeville High School National Honor Society students — potential scholarship recipients — will be serving the meal.

After dinner, a variety of confections, including homemade cakes and pies, will go up for bid.

This is known as the “dessert dash,” Pulk said.

Two auctions, live and silent, will provide plenty of choices for bidders to ponder, such as vacation getaways, a “sail-away” on the Suva, art and jewelry.

The live auction will be conducted by Dale Sherman and Bob Clay, well-known for their “tag-team banter.”

For those donating $1,000 or more, a scholarship will be dedicated in their name.

Deanna Rogers, public relations chairwoman for the club, said she is excited about the possibility of raising $30,000 again this year.

As of Friday, Pulk said, only 12 tickets remained of the available 152.

To check ticket availability, call the “Lions Line” at 360-678-4105. Tickets can also be purchased at bayleaf or the Chamber of Commerce.

The Coupeville Lions Club has been a part of the community since 1937, over 80 years ago.

Today, the group numbers about 120, and is always looking for new members, Pulk said.

And it’s not just “old guys,” either, added Pulk. “We have ages from 100 on down to 20s and 30s.”

The club holds several fundraising events throughout the year, including an annual garage sale and salmon barbecue.

• The Lions Scholarship Auction and Dinner is 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge. Tickets are $35. Go to www.CoupevilleLions.org