Area Lions Clubs members are teaming with the Garner Police Department for a special event to raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti.

A “Haiti Benefit Night” is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15 from 5-9 p.m. at Golden Corral at 1504 U.S. Hwy. 70 West in Garner.

Garner police officers and local Lions will serve as celebrity food servers. Ten percent of dinner sales along with 100 percent of all tips will be donated to Lions Club International Federation earthquake relief efforts.

This is the third time in recent years that District 31G clubs have held a fundraiser at the restaurant for disaster relief.

“We have a member, Alan Michael, who is a manager at the Golden Corral and he gets us permission to use the restaurant for big fundraisers,” said Apex Lions Club member Ken Bucher, who is also the publicity chairman for District 31G. “We’ve held them for Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in China.

“It wears out the regular waiters and waitresses because they are running around trying to clean up our mistakes. But everybody has a good time and the money goes toward an important cause.”

District 31G encompasses 40 clubs throughout a large section of central North Carolina, including Apex, Holly Springs, Garner and Fuquay-Varina.

Bucher pointed out that Lions around the world and North Carolina are responding generously and quickly to the Lions Clubs International Foundation’s designated fund – Lions Hope for Haiti – for this disaster. Donations are continuing to pour in from individuals, clubs and districts.

“We would like to get them some more money with this event,” said Bucher.

Bucher said that much work needs to be done in Haiti and that the Lions Club International Foundation plans to stay in the devastated area for years.

“We don’t do short term stuff,” said Bucher. “We still have people in China and we will be in Haiti a long time, too. We help with the medical needs of the victims and we team up with other relief agencies. Everything we do is for the long haul.”

For folks who can’t make it to the event, donations are being accepted at www lcif .org.

For more information about Apex’s 45-member club, visit www apexlions .org.