The 17th annual Boys and Girls Club Spaghetti Dinner and Auction raised more than $22,000 Saturday to help fund the organization’s annual operations.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome,” said Davidae Walker, dinner co-chair. “Our goal was to raise $18,000.”

The event was held at Douglasville First United Methodist Church. The program included local officials playing “Are You Smarter Than a Douglas County Fifth Grader?” and both silent and live auctions. Items for bid included a Travis Tritt autographed guitar, autographed sports memorabilia, fishing packages and several gift certificates to local businesses.

“This is one of three major fundraisers during the year,” said Steve Hord, club executive director. “These funds go toward keeping the club operating. The other two fundraisers include the Moonlight Run by the Douglas County Rogue Runners in October and the June golf tournament.”

Officials trying to stump the fifth graders at the dinner included Douglasville Police Chief Chris Womack, Deputy Chief Gary Sparks, Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller, Major Mo Harper of the sheriff’s office, Matthew Krull of the Douglas County Solicitor’s office and Amy Belcher representing the city of Douglasville.

The fifth grade students included Parker Gillham, Arbor Station; Destiny Harper, Burnett; Aerin Horton, Eastside; Zachary Nail, Winston; Andriana Raggs, Bright Star; and Perjah Roberts, Mason Creek.

Doris Isaacs, board president, gave welcoming remarks and Devon Strickland, Youth of the Year from Douglas County High, gave the invocation. Dinner was prepared by the Brotherhood Class of the First United Methodist Church. Zach Spencer, board member and safety and athletic director for the Douglas County School System, was the live auctioneer.

The Boys and Girls Club is also holding an ongoing fund drive to raise $1 million to build a teen center adjacent to the current 16,000-square-foot facility in Hunter Park. The city of Douglasville has applied for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant, which will be matched by $500,000 in community funds. The other $500,000 being raised will go toward operating expense.

Hord said pledges for $800,000 have already been received.

“We’re hoping to hear about the grant this week,” he said. “If we get it, we should be breaking ground soon.”