Ryan’s House for Youth is working to ensure that none of Whidbey Island’s young people will be left in the cold this winter.

The non-profit organization will host its third annual Big Red Event Fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Coupeville Recreation Hall.

Ryan’s House for Youth assists homeless young people and those whose homes are unsafe due to abuse.

The organization’s mission statement, according to its website, is “to provide a safe atmosphere where homeless students grow in a loving environment.”

The Big Red Event Fundraiser will include games, such as a “dessert dash” and a raffle, an auction, hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Items for auction include a wheelbarrow full of wine, paintings, photographs, jewelry, a tour of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and a chance to have lunch with the sheriff and tour the Island County Jail.

Jim Freeman will be the auctioneer.

William Leeds, a volunteer, said that perhaps the most important aspect of the event is a chance to hear host families and Ryan’s House youths share their stories. In addition to the fundraiser, the event is also a chance for attendees to learn more about the organization and its host family program.

Leeds said that Ryan’s House has “grown greatly” in the past three years, from passing out blankets and food to finding host families for several young people who had lacked permanent shelter.

Leeds said the organization is seeking host families, and noted that the youth of Ryan’s House “don’t have an even playing field to start out with” and are in need of their community’s assistance.

Attendees are encouraged to wear red to the event. Leeds explained that this is a nod to the symbolic red couch which Ryan’s House founders toted to speaking events in the organization’s early days to illustrate the couch-surfing many young people resorted to in lieu of a permanent home with a bed.

Last year, $15,000 was donated to Ryan’s House through the fundraiser. This year, the goal is to raise $30,000.

To learn more about Ryan’s House for Youth, visit ryanshouse.alexbonesteel.com.