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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend August 18, 2006 'Casino Night' to raise funds for city's Community Center By sanne specht Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — Community Center leaders are betting on gambling fever and local generosity to raise money for a fast-approaching grant deadline. The center's cash and in-kind donations' matching-funds tally will be turned over to representatives of the Oregon Housing and Community Services on Sept. 11, just three days after "Casino Night," said Susan Smith, the center's director. "It's a challenge grant," said Smith. "Whatever we collect, be it in cash, donation or in-kind service, they will give us the same amount (up to $25,000)," she said. "Guaranteed." Member Janet Chapman is organizing the center's Sept. 9 gambling party. A $15 entry fee entitles participants to receive a plate of hors d'oeuvres and $1,000 in funny money. The fake money buys the bearer a stake in games of chance such as blackjack, craps and poker, she said. "I've done eight of these before," said Chapman. "They're usually very successful and a lot of fun." Advertisement The grant will enable staff to make needed repairs to the aged center, even as they work toward their ultimate goal — building a new center, said Smith. And the more money raised, the more repairs and renovations can be done, she said. "We do want to build a new community center," said Smith. "This one is old and worn out. But we're not going to be able to build one right away, so we'd like to do some repairs." Included on Smith's list are fixing dilapidated porches, installing heat and air conditioning in the main office, installing energy-efficient lighting, adding a dishwasher and repairing severely cracked floors in the kitchen, she said. "Our flooring is a mess," said Smith. "We have kitchen tiles missing." Smith also would like to see the bathrooms become more user friendly, particularly for seniors and people with special needs. The center kitty currently holds about $10,000, thanks to previous cash and in-kind donations, said Smith. "We had a $1,000 anonymous donation," said Smith. "But all those little donations are just as important." The center's weekly bingo games have managed to raise about $400 per month, she added. City Administrator Mark Reagles will be manning one of the gaming tables. Since odds do favor the house, gamblers can take comfort knowing their buy-in dollars will be put to good use at the center, he said. At the end of the evening, winners can use their "cash" to vie for jewelry, gifts and vouchers to restaurants and coffee shops. There is even a special prize for the gambler who wants to really cash in, said Smith. "Someone donated a cemetery plot," she said. For more information, call 582-0609. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews