ORLANDO, Fla.,--In an effort to raise money for the American Heart Association (AHA), the Valencia Volunteers organized “Casino Night” which took place on the Valencia Community College east campus.
The event took place on September 17 in the cafeteria area. With the help of the Student Government Association, the volunteers boast an all time high attendance rate and record breaking donations.
The volunteers had hopes of raising upwards of $500, so Volunteer Coordinator Yary Garcia was delighted to announce that donations were “over $1, 200,” which broke donation records from past events.
Casino Night is an event put together every year to honor those who have survived and passed away from cardiovascular diseases. “We do this to help build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and strokes,” said Garcia, “We are teaching the student body how easy it is to impact someone’s life.”
Casino Night is the chosen event “simply because it is fun,” claims Garcia. Upon entering the casino, a five dollar donation could be exchanged at the door for five thousand dollars in playing money. Of course more can be donated at one time.
“All the proceeds are being donated to the American Heart Association,” said SGA Vice President Kesheena Lattimore. The donations are being given to the AHA, however, the funds will be “donated at the AHA Heart Walk,” said Garcia, which took place on Saturday in Lockhaven Park.
Along with a variety of prizes, free refreshments and trendy decorations, there were two Roulette tables, four Black Jack tables, one Craps table and two Texas Hold’em tables up for play. Complete with casino dealers, a DJ and plenty of food, Casino Night was a fun atmosphere to just mingle with friends or partake in the games.
Multiple donations received multiple raffles. Some of the prizes included a CD player, DVD player, an iPod and a Wii. Many students heard about the prizes last year, and decided to try their luck with the raffle.
Students were thoroughly enjoying themselves whether they were huddled at tables talking or partaking in the very crowded Texas Hold’em tables. Student Marco Rodriguez claimed “everyone was talking about it,” so he came as a result of “the hype.” Other students were drawn to the donations aspect. “It’s for a great cause,” said student Brittney Reese.
The American Heart Association has been involved in the Valencia Volunteer’s past events for a few years. “I have kept it because the American Heart Association is such a great organization and it’s dear to the students as well as the faculty and staff,” said Garcia.
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