For Rogue Valley Medical Center And Children´s Miracle Network
Medford, Oregon. Recently a Black & White Casino Night was held at the Red Lion Hotel to benefit the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) and Rogue Valley Medical Center (RVMC). The proceeds from the fundraiser went toward buying items to make their Pediatric Department more "Family Friendly" and to furnish car seats for the Children's Car Seat program.
"I had a one pound six ounce, 22 week old premature baby," said Michele Fecteau, member of the Leadership Committee. "She is now a 15 year old, beautiful daughter who is a freshman at St. Mary's. This is what makes this event so special to me."
Tickets to the Black & White Casino Night went for $50 per person.
"For the $50 they received $100 in script, a wonderful buffet and even a remembrance photo," said Fecteau, "The script is used for gambling, hopefully to increase their earnings. Also their donation has brought with it the knowledge of how they were helping to make the difference in a child's life."
Additional script could be purchased at a rate of $20 for $100 in script up to $100 for $500 in script.
"During the evening or when the gambling has finished," said Kathy Peckham, Leadership Coordinator for RVMC. "What script they wish to use, or have left over can be used to win prizes throughout the evening."
Against one side wall was tables filled with grand prize packages ranging in script values of $50 to $500. Next to them were sacks where players could place into them script entries with their number on the back. During the evening the winning entry would be drawn out and the winner's number announced.
Three of the 20 grand packages were:
Tony's or Oscar's you decide. Gift certificate for use at the Ginger Rodgers Craterian Theater, coming attractions theater and Cinemark theaters! Script Entry $50.
See and ski! Two tickets for a performance at the Oregon Cabaret Theater, two all-day adult lift tickets to Mt. Ashland, and an overnight stay at the Ashland Sprigs Hotel with dinner for two at the Bull's Eye Bistro? Scrip Entry $100.
Tiny Bubbles, The Good Kind! "Bubbles" design diamond ring set in white gold from Pacific Diamond Jewelers. Script Entry $500.
Start Your Engines! $1,000 gift certificate from Lithia Motors can be used for purchasing a vehicle, service or parts and accessories. Script Entry $500.
"We are happy to be here," said Karin Ramage, one of the many volunteers of Premier West Bank, "It's a great cause and we will do anything to help the children."
"Casino Night is the biggest fund-raising event we have for the Children's Miracle Network," said Sandy Olson, Director of Development, RVMC and ASANTE. ASANTE is the combination of RVMC and Three Rivers Community Hospitals. Olson works for the foundation or fundraising arm of the hospital system.
"Last year we made close to $45,000 thanks largely to the generous donors who supported us in this great event. We always have hopes of surpassing the last years amount, and this year I feel will be a phenomenal success."
What would a Casino Night be without the game dealers. Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino Resort, located in Canyonville off the I-5, has volunteered for the past few years to do their part. Here the professional Bingo, Craps, Blackjack, Roulette and Poker dealers volunteered their time and services to the CMN. The only compensation for their efforts are knowing what good they were accomplishing.
"We came here to help out and to have a good time," said Marc Turk, blackjack dealer, "When we are at the Seven Feathers we hold to very strict guide lines. So being here tonight is basically a night where we can have fun doing what we do at work. But most of all we are here for the kids."
"The Children's Miracle Network is the best charity function I work," said Ken Callsey, shift manager of the Seven Feathers. "This brings in a lot of money and people have a good time. And all of the money goes to the children."
Some of the volunteers were at one time casino Blackjack dealers at Lake Tahoe and Los Vegas. Two of these dealers were Julie Roden and Diane Rickman.
"This is a fabulous fund-raiser and a great cause," said Roden.
"This is my forth year as a volunteer for the Children's Miracle Network," said Rickman. "I love the fact that 100 percent of the proceeds generated go directly to the children. This is what brings me back year after year."
There was more than gambling at this gala event. The buffet table was decked out splendidly with an assortment of tasty foods and desserts that would tempt anyone there.
