The Elks Lodge of South Bend is throwing one of their biggest parties to help raise money for one of their biggest fundraisers.

On Friday night, lodge members were buying tickets for Saturday night's "Elks Fest."

It's an event that's open to the public and designed to raise money for the "Purdue University Center for Cancer Research."

This is the second year for the event and it's tripled in size.

So far, the lodge has gathered dozens of items for the silent auction plus there will be five local bands and a hog roast.

The fundraiser shows the Elk's commitment to cancer research while recruiting new members.

“That's what the Elks do, one of the reasons is to give back to charity which is our primary goal, which is what all elks do, but secondly this elks in particular is the best kept secret in town, no one knows we are hear they don't what the club does, they don't know we have an Olympic size pool and 8 lane bowling alley,” said Pat Karpinski, Elks Fest co-chair.

Admissions is $10 and you must be at least 21 to attend.

"Elks Fest" runs from 4 to 11 Saturday night at the Lodge on McKinley and Hickory in South Bend.