The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is hosting its first major fundraiser for saving the Kokanee Salmon.

The fresh water fish, which looks much like a Sockeye, is nearing extinction. However, it failed to make the federal government’s endangered species classification last year.

The Coho Café plans to cater the event at 6 p.m., March 23 at the hatchery.

“This possible extinction is literally happening right in our own backyard and if a community as educated and affluent as King County cannot turn this critical situation around, then I’m not sure there is hope,” said Heather VanDorn, catering manager at Coho Café.

The hatchery began a program a couple years ago to spawn the fish in streams that run through Issaquah and Sammamish. The costly process requires staff to hall water from the streams to the hatchery, so the fish will learn the scent.

Tickets to the event are $60 and available at the Coho Café or by phone at 425-391-4040.