More than 200 people showed up to try their luck Saturday at the Riverside Foundation for Health Care’s “Casino Night” fundraiser at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Foundation director Teresa Hazel said this morning the event cleared about $28,000, which included not only proceeds from ticket sales, “fun” gambling, and live and silent auctions but a $10,000 donation from Ainsworth.
Ernest Georgeson, production manager at the OSB mill in Barwick, was on hand Saturday night for the cheque presentation.
The Vegas-style evening featured blackjack, roulette, poker, and wheels of chance, with gamblers using “fun money” for chances to win fabulous prizes.
It also included the “PAIR-A-DICE Payoff,” where gamblers took their chances at winning prizes from local businesses.
The gambling ran from 7:30-9:30 p.m., after which people had time to buy prizes with their “winnings,” bid in the live and silent auctions, socialize, eat, buy tickets at the penny table, and dance the night away.
As well, the winners of the “Luck of the Draw” raffle—featuring a fly-in fishing trip for two to Campbell’s Cabins, a $200 gift certificate from Wal-Mart, and a pamper yourself package—were drawn Saturday night.
Alton Pollard won the grand prize, with Andrew Watson winning the second-place prize and Carol Simpson the third-place one.
The “Luck of the Draw” raffle brought in about $2,800.
Riverside Foundation for Health Care raises funds for the purchase of medical equipment at La Verendrye Hospital, Emo Health Centre, and Rainy River Health Centre.
This was their eighth-annual fundraiser, and the second in a row following the casino theme. Past themes have included “Rockin’ With Riverside,” “Hooked on Health Care,” “Come Fly With Us,” and “Puttin’ on the Glitz.”
Last year’s inaugural “Casino Night” brought in more than $20,000, which included the proceeds from an all-day “chair”-ity auction featuring dozens of donated pieces of furniture.