The Mountain Empire Rotary Club hosted a Mardi Gras Casino Night Fundraiser Feb. 25 at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. Despite the rain, turnout was good for the event. Professional dealers and eight tables of different games (craps, blackjack, poker and roulette) lent an air of authenticity to the party and the Mardi Gras theme added a colorful and very festive ambience.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres, a full bar, tasty sweets, “Rat Pack” music, and silent auction and raffle items all contributed to a highly successful evening. Gamblers played with “funny money skripts” which they cashed in for raffle tickets for the many prizes.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the good turnout at the event, the event netted nearly $13,000, which the Rotary Club will use to fund its many charitable activities, including all the many literacy projects the Club provides for local students.