Written By Jill Stone
As Sinatra tunes blanketed the dimly lit room, cheers from guests punctuated the sounds of the spinning roulette wheel, the bouncing dice, and the flipping cards.
No, it wasn’t Las Vegas. It was Casino Night at Martin’s in Westminster. The Carroll Hospital Center Auxiliary hosted the formal fundraiser for the third year, and all the proceeds – about $20,000 – went to Carroll Hospital’s expansion project. Money raised by the Casino Night will be put into the Auxiliary’s “Fulfilling the Promise Campaign,” to which the Auxiliary – with a commitment of $1 million – is the largest donor, according to Dottie Cole, president of the Auxiliary group.
“Texas Hold ÔEm” was a new addition and perhaps the highlight of the evening. Tournament players pre-registered for the event, and played for a four-day, three- night stay in Las Vegas. The winner was guest, Chris Kuhlmann.
Throughout the evening, participants were greeted at the door by showgirls who handed out $20,000 in “Funny Money.” The cash was then turned in for chips at the various gaming tables. Guests cashed in their chips for raffle tickets to win prizes donated from local businesses.
“It’s a nice way to be able to gamble without losing money and be able to support the hospital at the same time,” said Shirlyn Ford, who has come to all of the Casino Night events.
Melissa Moshang and Brenda Lane agreed. “The hospital has done so much for the community,” said Melissa. “It’s nice to get together to give something back to them.”
