The Canyon Country Optimist Club will hold its second annual Chinese Quarter Auction on Feb. 25 to raise money for at-risk families and for children with cancer.

Auction emcee Michael Holt, aka Doc Magi, said in a “quarter auction,” patrons bring quarters and bid on gift baskets. To bid, they throw a quarter into a bucket, and bingo balls are drawn to determine the winners.

“It is a lot of fun and we raised $11,000 last year doing it,” Holt said.

This year’s event will be catered by New Moon restaurant and held at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex starting at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $25.

Proceeds will benefit two groups sponsored by Optimist clubs throughout the Pacific Northwest: the annual Camp Country Jamboree in Porterville, and Optimist Youth Home and Family Services.

The Porterville organization provides a summer camp experience to children suffering from cancer-related illnesses.

“Last year our quarter auction sent 17 families to this camp. This year we want to send even more,” Holt said.

The family services program provides mentoring and a safe environment for abused, neglected or at-risk children.

Participants in the Feb. 25 fundraiser will be able to bid on 100 or more items valued at $25 to $50 apiece in the Chinese quarter auction, followed by a live auction with vacation getaways, tickets to sporting events and more.

Members of the Canyon Country Optimist Club are seeking additional auction donations. For tickets or information, or to donate an item, contact co-chairman Tim Davis at timdavis@ca.rr.com or 661-476-4033.