On September 10, the sounds of shuffling cards and rattling dice intermingled with the cheers and sighs of the 200 people who attended ORCA’s first Casino Night.  The evening was a joint venture between Ocean Ridge Charities Association Inc. and Brunswick Senior Resource Inc. (BSRI) and proved to be one of ORCA’s most successful fundraising activities.  All proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Brunswick Community College Foundation – Scholarships for Nursing Students and Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc.,

It was a wonderful evening at the Brunswick Center in Shallotte with games of Black Jack, Poker, Craps, Roulette, and Horse Racing.  However, unlike Vegas, no real money was won as a result of gaming.  With the purchase of each admission ticket, all players were given $10,000 in “fun money” to use at the gaming tables.  Players became eligible to win prizes when the gaming closed by exchanging their casino winnings/chips for raffle tickets.  At the end of the evening, players distributed their tickets between the grand prizes of their choice and the drawings were held. 

Three of the seven big-ticket items, which included a big screen TV, every color of Johnnie Walker Whisky, two recliners and a diamond ring, were won by Ocean Ridge residents as well as the $380 50/50.  And if an attendee didn’t want to belly-up to a gaming table, they still shared in the excitement that filled the room as well as the scrumptious hors d’ oeuvres prepared by award winning caterer Ryan Gibbs. 

To effectively run a fundraiser such as this, a strong crew of volunteers with a passion for getting things done is a necessity.  The members of ORCA and BSRI solicited the businesses throughout the area and amassed the generous support of over thirty sponsors.  With plenty of help inside and outside the Senior Center, the evening was a notable example of ORCA’s ability to host a successful event.

Casino Night is an activity for all, regardless of whether they are casino regulars or first time players – anyone can learn to play blackjack or roulette in minutes.  In addition, because all the games are played for bogus money, the only risk involved is the idea of having too much fun!