OTHELLO — The Othello Lions Club hosted their annual dinner and auction last week, raising close to $8,000.

“It’s one of our major fundraisers of the year,” said Donna Ruttan. “It was highly successful.”

Half of the proceeds raised will be put toward the new, local splash pad, Ruttan explained.

Funds that are raised must be re-distributed to the community within a year. Last year, the club was able to give back approximately $10,000 to various areas of need.

The Othello Lions Club tries to keep the funds local as much as possible when giving back, Ruttan said. They have helped with area projects, including purchasing benches at the skate park. They always try to share funds with non-profit organizations.

Every year the club holds a ham bingo and a turkey bingo. The ham bingo is always held in the spring, and the turkey bingo is held in the fall. Proceeds from the bingos are put toward scholarships to be awarded.

Held at the Othello Senior Center, attendees of this year’s event were treated to a lasagna dinner, served by volunteer youth from the Catholic church.

“We are so grateful for all the people who attended and participated in the auction,” Ruttan said.