AUBURN - Edward Myers Hayes, CEO of Cayuga Home For Children, stood back at the Ukrainian National Club Saturday night and was more than content with what he saw.

The club's meeting hall was packed with people during the home's second annual Casino Night, all out in support of the home and its mission to help at-risk youth and families.

Hayes said that when the home began discussing ideas for a fundraiser last year, it seemed like all the good ideas had already been used, but the idea of a casino night looked like a good possibility.

“We were talking one day,” Hayes said, “and someone said people like to gamble, so we thought why not do some gambling for a good cause, and that was the genesis of the casino night idea.”

The home, originally established in 1852 as an orphanage, has since grown to work with children, families and those with disabilities, offering a wide array of care and support options.

Support thus far has been made possible through funding that comes from the state, but Hayes said that as the state looks to make budget cuts, fundraisers such as this become all that more important to make sure that the home is able to continue to offer the care and services it has come to be known for.

Last year, $14,000 was raised, and Hayes hoped to beat that Saturday night, with a goal of $25,000 that seemed well within reach.

“Last year, we used the money for recreational equipment,” Hayes said. “This year, with what is going on in the state and the cuts, it is going to our general funds to help support all of our programs and services.”

To help make this happen, Cayuga Home For Children took from what they learned last year in running the casino night and ran with it, making the second annual event much more its own.

“Last year, we hired a company to help us,” Hayes said. “This year we did it all ourselves. We made out own tables and everything and we have 85 volunteers, family and staff that are here making all of this possible, and we are so grateful to all of them.”

Spread across the Ukrainian Club's meeting hall it was a veritable Las Vegas, with everything from blackjack and roulette to pull tab card games and wheel of chance games.

“I've never really gambled before,” said Tina Dec, of Auburn, “but it looked like it would be a lot of fun and a good way to learn about gambling. I think it is great. I think it is a great way to have some fun and help raise money for a good cause.”

“It looks like they did a great job,” said Maria Starr, of Auburn. “They have a little bit of everything, a lot of games. We're going to play everything, every game. I think this is a really good idea for them.”

This year Hayes said there was also a great deal of support from the local business community.

Hayes said numerous businesses donated money and Mitchell-Nagel & Associates donated a plasma television to be raffled off.

Cayuga Home For Children also put up two $500 plane ticket vouchers to be raffled off as grand prizes.

“We have had great support from the community this year,” Hayes said. “So, the good news is, we were able to make a profit before we even opened the door tonight.”