The eighth annual Tracy Volunteer Caregivers’ Luau drew one of the event’s largest crowds Saturday night at St. Bernard’s Church Hall. About 150 people showed up, raising almost $16,000 for the caregivers, roughly double last year’s total.

The highlight of the evening was provided by The Empty Box, a white wine box that has become popular among auction participants.

Auctioneer Tony Souza raised a combined total of more than $4,000 with the box alone, which was sold, given back, and resold multiple times. The winners got to sign the box. Judge Thomas Harrington and attorney Archer Bakerink ended their spirited bidding by collaborating on one bid of $1,400 for the night Souza himself paid $400 for the box.

A small competition broke out between the Protestant and Catholic supporters of Tracy Volunteer Caregivers, netting $550.

The Hawaiian meal was accompanied by dancing by Lokes Looks Music and Dance Studio, which included at one point several pastors and City Councilman Steve Abercrombie. Local home inspector Larry Hite and Brighter Christmas founder Gene Birk also joined in.

Tracy Volunteer Caregivers helps those with disabilities free of charge.