Cancel the trip to Las Vegas - anyone looking for a chance to capture Lady Luck can also support a good cause while staying close to home during the third annual Cayuga Home for Children Casino Night.
Beat the dealer, blackjack, over-and-under seven and roulette are a few of the games that will be available for visitors looking to win some cash while also enjoying a friendly atmosphere.
While real casinos are often impersonal, Cayuga Home for Children CEO Edward Hayes said his organization's event is more festive and energetic with people often cheering each other on.
“I'm not a casino gambler; to me, casinos are cold,” Hayes said. “This is more about enjoying good camaraderie and fellowship while enjoying some games.”
This year, the organization wants to raise more than $20,000 to support programs that assist children and their families as they deal with developmental disabilities or work their way through the court system.
Though some people will walk away with cash winnings, Hayes admitted he prefers if the odds remain in the house's favor.
“If we win, that's more money for the kids,” Hayes said. “But win or lose, the real winners here are the kids.”
Jessica Kolodzie, a human resources manager for the organization, said participants often help each other out with strategies and tips for beating specific games.
“Many of the people have never played these games before but they still want to come and support our organization and have an enjoyable night,” Kolodzie said. “The players are always helping each other. You will see them talking and giving advice. In blackjack, they will tell people whether they should stay or go.”
Each game will have rules and instructions nearby so first-time players can get a brief overview before jumping in.
While the event is held as a fundraiser, organizers must abide by the state's gaming laws, and as a result, only visitors 18 or older are allowed to play, Kolodzie said.
The cost of admission includes two drinks, a wrap sandwich and $5 in gambling chips, Hayes said. Additional chips are available inside the casino and bets will range from $1 to $5.
“It's low stakes, it's not for the big betters,” Hayes said. “It's more of a fun, family-oriented event.”
What: Casino Night
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
Where: Ukrainian National Club, 125 Washington St., Auburn
Cost: Tickets $25 in advance, $35 at the door
Info: Call 253-5383 ext. 154
Nate Robson
253-5311 ext. 248
nathan.robson@lee.net
While real casinos are often impersonal, Cayuga Home for Children CEO Edward Hayes said his organization's event is more festive and energetic with people often cheering each other on.
“I'm not a casino gambler; to me, casinos are cold,” Hayes said. “This is more about enjoying good camaraderie and fellowship while enjoying some games.”
This year, the organization wants to raise more than $20,000 to support programs that assist children and their families as they deal with developmental disabilities or work their way through the court system.
Though some people will walk away with cash winnings, Hayes admitted he prefers if the odds remain in the house's favor.
“If we win, that's more money for the kids,” Hayes said. “But win or lose, the real winners here are the kids.”
Jessica Kolodzie, a human resources manager for the organization, said participants often help each other out with strategies and tips for beating specific games.
“Many of the people have never played these games before but they still want to come and support our organization and have an enjoyable night,” Kolodzie said. “The players are always helping each other. You will see them talking and giving advice. In blackjack, they will tell people whether they should stay or go.”
Each game will have rules and instructions nearby so first-time players can get a brief overview before jumping in.
While the event is held as a fundraiser, organizers must abide by the state's gaming laws, and as a result, only visitors 18 or older are allowed to play, Kolodzie said.
The cost of admission includes two drinks, a wrap sandwich and $5 in gambling chips, Hayes said. Additional chips are available inside the casino and bets will range from $1 to $5.
“It's low stakes, it's not for the big betters,” Hayes said. “It's more of a fun, family-oriented event.”
What: Casino Night
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
Where: Ukrainian National Club, 125 Washington St., Auburn
Cost: Tickets $25 in advance, $35 at the door
Info: Call 253-5383 ext. 154
Nate Robson
253-5311 ext. 248
nathan.robson@lee.net
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