Air hockey, roller skating, arts and crafts, and a safe, welcoming place to hang out are some of the reasons Oak Harbor youth go to the Boys and Girls Club.

To make sure the club continues to offer and expand programs for local youth, the annual “Bids for Kids” fund-raiser takes place this Saturday, March 5.

The event, which features an auction and dinner, is the largest fund-raiser of the year for the Boys and Girls Club. Of the hundreds of items being sold at the auction, some notable ones include Mariners tickets, a lap quilt, a mountain bike and accessories, a flight to the San Juans and a vacation to Las Vegas.

A “Hearts on Fire” enchantment ring will also be raffled off during the auction. The Jewerly Gallery donated the 1.5-carat ring, set in white gold, that retails for $4,250. The “Diamonds in a Glass” raffle costs $125 to enter and there are 52 entries available.

The Boys and Girls Club raised $86,000 from last year’s auction. This year officials are hoping for a bit more.

“The goal this year is to raise $100,000,” said Roosevelt Rumble, executive director for the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Harbor. In addition to the money raised from the auction, Island Thrift agreed to match the money raised up to $30,000.

The proceeds from the auction will go to expanding club opportunities and to lay the groundwork for a capital campaign to renovate the Roller Barn facility located on Barron Drive.

Between 50 to 60 kids a day attend after-school programs at the Boys and Girls Club.

On a recent visit, kids were busy doing homework, playing pool, roller skating, drawing and volunteering to help prepare for the weekend’s event.

“We come here every day to do homework. It’s a great place to get tutors,” said Ashley Perreault, who is a freshman at Oak Harbor High School. She and fellow freshman Jon Johnson were working on an English assignment.

Others come to take advantage of the recreational activities offered by the club.

“I like to play dodgeball and play on the computer,” said 13-year-old Dyllan Miller.

The Boys and Girls Club has a computer room, offers tutoring programs, character and leadership development, health and life skills activities and art programs.

Monday afternoon, Miller, along with 11-year-old Erin Hartt, were volunteering to make decorations for Saturday evening’s fund-raiser.

This year’s “Bids for Kids” auction takes place at the Roller Barn. The event was previously held at the Elks Lodge. Rumble said he wanted to better utilize the Boys and Girls Club facility.

Bids for Kids begins at 5:30 p.m. For More information call 240-9273.

nwhalen@whidbeynewstimes.com or call (360) 675-6611.