Hollister
– It’s rare that you can tell people you are gambling for a good
cause, but this Saturday you can use just that excuse.
Hollister – It’s rare that you can tell people you are gambling for a good cause, but this Saturday you can use just that excuse.
Sacred Heart Parish School’s 20th annual Casino Night will be from 6 to 11pm Feb. 10 at Bolado Park. The fundraiser is the largest of the year for the Catholic grade and middle school in Hollister. There will be an Old West theme in the decorations this year.
Last year there was some concern about the legality of the event, due to a crackdown on gaming regulations, even for nonprofits. Most of the problems, however, were worked through last year.
Debbie Gonzalez, who is chairing the Casino Night committee this year, said organizers are avoiding the scrutiny from the Department of Justice by making the casino by donation only, and supplying no prizes for casino wins.
Despite the lack of reward, there will still be a full casino with craps, blackjack, slots and roulette, along with a professional staff.
For those without a penchant for gambling, there will be both silent and live auctions, with prizes ranging from a weekend getaway in Lake Tahoe to a gift basket full of wines from local wineries.
New this year to the fundraiser is the addition of a live band, Suave, out of San Jose. The band will cover hit songs from the 1970s and ’80s, and some country to go along with the theme.
“I’m most excited about the band,” Gonzalez said. “Adding the music to the casino makes it a really fun party. So there will be dancing if you’re not 100 percent into gambling.”
Typically Sacred Heart earns close to $60,000 on this fundraiser. Diane Gibbs, who heads the school’s business office, said that how the money raised at the event is going to be spent has yet to be decided. The school’s advisory council is putting together a committee that will prioritize the needs of the school, but no specific purchases have been designated.
Most years, around 600 to 800 people attend the fundraiser. Gonzalez emphasized that this is not just an event for parents of students at Sacred Heart.
“We’re looking for the whole community to join us in the event. Not just Sacred Heart, but the whole community of Hollister,” Gonzalez said.
Tickets to the event cost $35 at the door or $30 in advance, and include a tri-tip dinner, a raffle ticket and entrance to the casino.
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. You can reach her at 637-5566 ext. 336 or at [email protected].
