Start looking under your coach cushions for loose change. Break open those piggy banks. Get those quarters ready because the Ninth Annual Sparks High School Athletics Quarter Auction is right around the corner.

In what Sparks High assistant principal Charlie Walsh considers the social event of the year in the Rail City, there's never a dull moment at the Quarter Auction. You have dinner, drinks, dessert auctions, regular auctions, silent auctions and a whole lot of fun.

The City of Sparks Recreation Center at 98 Richards Way will open its doors for no-host cocktails and a silent auction at 6 p.m. March 27.

"We sell it out every year. However many we can put in Sparks Rec, we sell it out," Walsh said.

The $15 admission fee covers the cost of the dinner buffet, which begins at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by the live auctions at 7 p.m. Tables of eight can be reserved for $120, but it is recommended to buy early if you have a large party.

Attendees can bid a quarter for each auction. If your number is chosen, you win that prize. However, you can purchase a $40 paddle, which covers every auction plus the bonus auctions.

All proceeds go to the Sparks High athletic programs to keep those Railroaders competing for championships.

"We could not run our athletic program without the support of the Quarter Auction. It's as simple as that," Walsh said. "Every year we rely on this money to get us through the year."

The down economy has not affected the turnout. Walsh said the event has always been full and has raised over $100,000 since it started, but he is still looking for prize donations. If anyone would like to donate prizes to be auctioned off, you can reach Walsh at 353-5550 or email him at cwalsh@washoe.k12.nv.us

"So far the way things have gone people are still wanting to come and still looking forward to it," Walsh said. "It's really the highlight of the year for us at Sparks High School. On the heels of us winning the state championship, we're hoping the turnout will be even greater if there is such a thing."