The smell of authentic Italian food is in the air as members of Christ the King Catholic Church prepare to serve up an Italian dinner Saturday night.

Organizers were on hand Thursday preparing pans of made-from-scratch lasagna and meatballs.

Event organizer Cindy Perrin said the 12th annual event is held yearly as a fundraiser for the church’s youth.

“We started back in 1999 as a way to take our youth to Italy,” she said. “Now we use the money for our youth to go on a retreat. This year they will travel to Houma, La.”

The retreats provide the youth with opportunities to meet other Catholic youth, organizers said.

Those who choose to dine-in will be served by the youth and serenaded by Italian music.

“Our youth help by serving the community who choose to dine-in,” Perrin said. “They also wrap silverware and do anything else that needs to be done outside of food preparation, but it’s something they enjoy doing.”

For those who do not want to dine-in, there is a carry-out option available.

Doors will open Sat., Feb. 12, at 4 p.m. and will close at 8 p.m. There is a choice of lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs, salad, Italian bread and pizzelle.

Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Italian desserts and a cappuccino bar will also be available.

Perrin said the church usually sells more than 500 tickets but hopes to sell more this year.

“By our advertising and the response, I believe we’ll sell more,” she said.