On Friday, February 9, Havana Main Street brought the casino experience home to Havana with Casino Royale, a Vegas-themed fundraiser benefiting upcoming projects for the organization.
Casino Royale was held at Havana Springs resort, located at 200 Coca Cola Avenue, and featured table games, live music and dancing, a cash bar, a silent auction, and prizes.
Having a Casino themed fundraiser here in Havana was the brainchild of Katie Gainey, owner of Katie’s Cakes.
“I’ve seen them held in other towns,” said Gainey. “They were a lot of fun, and they did really well.”
The event began at 6 p.m. with cocktails and heavy Hors D’oeuvres served.
Gaming tables opened at 7 p.m. and ran until 10 p.m. and featured Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and Poker.
Those who purchased tickets for the evening received $1,000 in play money, which was exchanged for poker chips at the tables, and gamers were able to purchase more play money as desired.
When the tables closed, dealers ‘cashed-out’ for tickets used for prize drawings.
Entertainment was provided by the band Next Phase and Havana’s own one woman band, Anna Wescoat with room available for dancing.
Ticket prices started at $100 for a single person, and higher increments for higher-level sponsors, with the proceeds going to Havana Main Street.
“We’d like to give a special thank you to all of the volunteers and individuals involved, the Havana Main Street Membership Committee,” said Gainey. “We would definitely like to thank Jose Tapia, Havana Springs Resort’s owner, for his hospitality, and for allowing us to have this event there. Thank you to all of our sponsors, without whom we could not have held this event: Becky and Ron Tiller, Kelley and Scott Brewer, Katie and Richard Gainey, Medora Wester, Nesta Cumbie, Ann Patonis, Tony Lombardo, Ellen and Scott Watson, Dayton Jones, Morgan Stanley, Monica Juarez, Juarez Roofing, Jon Ledbetter, W&L Tire, Adam Young, Movement Mortgage, Craig Stevens, Alisha’s Flower Cinsations, Robert Gibson Catering, Carson Ray, TLH Cheese Girl, Serena Bynum, Nicholas and Samantha Rawls, Brandon Neel, United Rentals, 850 Cigar Lounge, and Vegas Nights for providing the game tables.”
Overall, Gainey was very pleased with the event.
“Our main objective was that everybody had a great time,” explained Gainey. “All of the feedback we’ve had from the guests that attended is that Casino Royale was a huge success, and we met our expectations for the evening.”
Stephen Klein – Gadsden County News Service
