When charities host talent shows to raise money, they want the performers to be, well, talented. But acts in the Parenting Time Center’s second annual “Gong Show” are supposed to be so off the wall, they’re good.

“It’s centered around the old Gong Show from the 60s,” said David Cousert, chair of PTC’s Board of Directors and the one in charge of booking the acts. “They had the zaniest and craziest acts on TV…They were so bad they were good. That’s the kind of acts we want.”

The original Gong Show was infamous for the large  judges who would bang a gong to end an act. In keeping with this tradition, the acts in the PTC Gong Show must survive 30 seconds to advance to the final round. The winner is chosen by crowd applause and the losers must endure a possible pelting by ping-pong balls.

“It’s kind of like ‘America Doesn’t Have Talent,'” said Kathryn Kornblum-Zelle, executive director of the Parenting Time Center. “It’s just meant to be funny, a night to kick back and have happiness come through the door.”

The Gong Show serves as the PTC’s major fundraiser of the year. Last year, the event sold out the 300 seat venue, Cousert said.

The event will also feature a silent auction for the audience members that will include a football signed by Vick Ballard and IU basketball tickets.

The winner of the show will receive a “goofy” trophy and a cash prize equal to the daily rate for an actor in the Screen Actors Guild, which is around $400. Last year’s winner was a man who sang Patsy Cline.

“I’m most excited that the community comes out for it,” Cousert said. “There are people there that are well known in the community and dress up in crazy outfits to help raise money.”

The PTC spends a large amount of its time helping children communicate with parents in a safe environment. The center also helps adopted children who want to get in touch with their biological parents.

“There is nothing more amazing than watching a kid’s eyes light up as their parent walks in,” Cousert said. “The PTC helps parents become more positive parents and helps build the parent and child relationship.”

The PTC is open seven days a week to accommodate anyone’s schedule.

The show is from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Germania Maennerchor located at 916 Fulton Ave. Tickets are $30 and the show is for people 21 and up.