A trip to Las Vegas will be the grand prize at Creative Community Living’s Casino Night Saturday. The prize includes accommodations at the Tahiti Village resort for five days and four nights and $500 for travel expenses.
It isn’t necessary to be a talented or lucky gambler to win. You just have to be lucky enough to have your name drawn at random at 10:30 p.m. All ticket-holders who are present will be eligible.
The fun begins at 7 in the Winfield Community Center. Blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, slot machines, bingo, Plinko and Wheel of Fortune will be available. All those interested in poker must sign up between 7 and 7:15. Everyone who buys a ticket receives $40,000 in play money for the games.
All gambling stops at 10 so everyone’s money can be counted. Then at 10:30, they can use their earnings to bid on a wide variety of items in a live auction conducted by Dan Defore.
Also during the evening, guests can enjoy refreshments, bid on silent auction items and try to win a raffle prize. Door prizes will be given away.
"We were hesitant to ask businesses and individuals for donations this year, with the economy in such bad shape, but most have continued to donate money or items that we can use for prizes," said Jane Sandbulte, chairperson of the planning committee. "In fact, we have quite a few new donors. We are very appreciative of their support, just as we appreciate all the volunteers who deal cards and help in other ways to make our fund-raiser a success."
Here is a sampling of the prizes: a locally made oak spice cabinet; an 8-week session of yoga; Creekstone beef; a small quilt; homemade cinnamon rolls; books filled with U.S. state quarters; bottles of wine; beauty products; an overnight stay at the Iron Gate Inn; jewelry; candles; sunglasses; an inflatable boat; a primitive doll; a padded stadium seat; Viking jackets; many gift cards; and tickets for an array of south-central Kansas attractions.
Mardi Gras is the theme this year, and everyone will receive strands of beads to wear.
Tickets for Casino Night are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. They can be purchased at Dillons and Meyer Hall in Winfield or Sears in Arkansas City.
All proceeds from Casino Night are used to replenish CCL’s Life Enhancement Fund.
During the year, case managers can apply for assistance to pay bills for needy clients. It covers such things as wheelchair purchases or repairs, dental bills, medical equipment or supplies, clothing and Christmas gifts for individuals who otherwise wouldn’t receive one.
