Casino event raises thousands of dollars for Special Olympics in Pictou County

Games of chance for a good cause.

More than 225 people took part in Casino Royale on Saturday, a mock casino for those over 19 years of age held at Summer Street Industries (SSI) in New Glasgow.

“The total of funds raised will be exact later this week,” said Jennifer Wadden of Special Olympics Pictou County. “But we expect to have raised just over $12,000 for Pictou County Special Olympics.”

Funds raised during the annual Casino Night go towards tournament registration fees, purchase of sporting equipment and uniforms and travel and accommodation costs for the local athletes.

“This has been a major fundraiser for Special Olympics for close to 15 years,” Wadden said.

“We saw several new faces through the doors this year and all said they are excited to

come back next year with more friends.”

The casino featured black jack, plinko, wheels of chance, a balloon pop for gift certificates, panning for gold, a live auction, as well as a silent auction with more than 80 items up for bid – items that had been donated

by local businesses and organizations.

Special Olympics Pictou County provides an opportunity for year-round athletic training and competitions in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

At present, 110 athletes take part in floor hockey, curling, snowshoeing, figure skating, bowling, swimming, basketball, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, bocce and track and field.

This year’s Casino Night came the same week Pictou

County native Daniel Martin won gold and silver medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.

Team Canada returned on Saturday and a celebration to honour Martin’s achievements will take place Tuesday at SSI, starting at 6:30 p.m.

"This has been a major fundraiser for Special Olymics for close to 15 years. We saw several new faces through the doors this year and all said they are excited to come back next year with more friends." Jennifer Wadden of Special Olympics Pictou County

,&7*/ "%4)"%& 5)& /&84 Jennifer Rozee, who serves with the Special Olympics of Pictou County, was one of the volunteers at Casino Royale, a benefit held Saturday at Summer Street Industries with all proceeds going to the local Special Olympics organization.