More than 300 people attended the Vegas Night fundraiser at St. Joseph School in Manhattan on Saturday.
The event that offers gambling in the classrooms was more successful than organizers expected, according to Principal Colleen Domke, who believed the school raised more than $20,000.
“It’s been a great turnout,” said the Rev. John Lindsey, parish pastor.
The school budgets $90,000 from fundraising efforts to offset tuition costs, Domke said. School families volunteer at the event.
Gynith and Brian Borden, whose son enrolled at the school this year, each dealt blackjack. They said they liked having one large fundraiser such as Vegas Night rather than numerous smaller fundraisers throughout the year.
John and Beth Tyk volunteered to run the gambling big wheel.
“We enjoy being a part of a Catholic community,” Beth Tyk said.
“We love it here,” John Tyk said.
There were about 100 silent auction items. Domke said about $8,000 was raised from that alone.
“The silent auction went pretty well,” Domke said.
Tickets for the event were $15 in advance and $17 at the door. They included a roast beef sandwich and live entertainment. Attendees bought gambling chips for $1 or $5. Classrooms had tables for poker, blackjack, craps and the big wheel. Other food and alcohol also were for sale.
The annual event typically had been held the night before the Super Bowl. Last year, however, the school tried a different kind of fundraiser. The parent volunteers decided to bring back Vegas Night this year.
Domke said the school will have it again next year, but the date has yet to be decided.
Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter.
