Gambling for a Good Cause

For once, the community expressed undivided support for gambling for a good cause when the Rotary Club of Saipan held its annual Las Vegas Night fundraiser at Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Hall last June 18.

Spectators filled with gaming excitement crowded the spacious hall which put on the glitz and glamour of the city renowned for its thriving casino industry.

The annual event, which aims to raise funds for the Rotary Club’s various community projects, featured tables crammed with players eager to lay bets on Texas Hold’em, Black Jack, Roulette, Bingo, and Craps.

“It was a great turnout,” Rotary president Glen Perez said in an interview amid the hustle and bustle of betting individuals that night.

Perez maintains that many of those who took part in the event did so since whatever they donate through Las Vegas Night will be given back to the community through their numerous projects.

Las Vegas Night tickets were sold for $5 per ticket or $20 per booklet of five tickets.

“I think that a lot of the people who bought tickets support the Rotary. I know the economy is hurting but individuals want a change of pace,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Based on the report of the Rotary’s banker’s team, gross proceeds amounted to approximately $30,000 in ticket sales and $6,000 in game earnings. The figures, however, do not take account of the monetary prizes and expenses such as printing of the tickets.

Perez said Las Vegas Night was also an opportunity for the public “to have fun and relax a little.”

“We don’t know where we’re going, with everything in limbo. It’s depressing out there. Las Vegas Night is one night to have a good time and donate to a good cause at the same time,” he added.

Saturday’s event also gave away exciting door prizes and was highlighted by the raffle draw cash prizes.

Frankie L. Castillo of Dandan won the grand prize of either $10,000 cash or a brand new Mazda 2 Sport with his winning ticket No. 5988. Castillo, who was not present during the draw, could not be reached as of press time.

Other winners were Florencio T. Vicentillo, who won the 5th prize of $250 for ticket No. 1871; Gilbert Fauni, 4th prize of $500, ticket No. 4388; Joseph, 3rd prize of $750, ticket No. 7638; Marilyn Jones, 2nd prize of $1,500, ticket no. 7349; and Clarissa David, 1st prize of $2,500, ticket No. 1166.

Perez said the amount raised from the event will be used for the Rotary’s dictionary project for third grade public school students and their next children’s playground project set for Kagman Village.

He also said that there will be incentives for the Rotarian who sold the most number of tickets.

“The new set of Rotary officers, who will be inducted this month, are off to a good start as they will have the seed money to be used during their term,” added Perez.