Elks to host a night of games and giving

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Elks Lodge 2419 will present its first Casino Night, an exclusive 21-and-over event.

"We are hosting this annual Casino Night and opening our doors to the Wasco-Shafter communities to raise money to support our local veterans, seniors, community youth and scholars. The Elks Lodge is a proud supporter of our local youth sports programs, FFA and 4H, and with the help of those who attend this event, we will take the money raised and use it to contribute to those programs and many more," Leading Knight Erik Brown said.

There will be three blackjack tables, a roulette table, a craps table and a hold 'em table. Players will use their funny money to play games at the tables. They can use their winnings from the casino tables for the end-of-the-night casino prizes.

The casino prizes feature an array of lavish gift baskets, each valued at over $200. Guests can look forward to a sizzling grill basket, a bountiful fishing basket, a luxurious Bath & Body Works basket, and even more exciting surprises yet to be revealed, Brown promises..

A 50/50 drawing also will be held. A highlight is the silent auction for a three-day trip to Las Vegas.

The cost is $40 per person, including $500 in funny money, a deep-pit barbecue sandwich and chips. Optional re-buys for $25 will add $500 in funny money. DJ Carlos Lopez will provide music. Bar hours will be from 5 to 11 p.m., with casino hours from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for those who would like to contribute more to the event. Packages range from funding the funny money that will be handed out at the door to names on the casino tables and/or wall banners that display their name or logos.

"Garza Lawn Service is our first sponsor, and we are excited to have many more to help our community, children and veterans."

The Elks Lodge hopes to add Casino Night to its fun roster of events throughout the year, including the upcoming Blaine Willard Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, and its annual Spring Skeet Shoot.

"We also typically have Friday night dinners. Our next dinner is Friday, July 26, at 6:30 p.m. We will host a pork chop dinner with mashed potatoes, a vegetable, salad and dessert for $25."

Brown said that with their weekly dinners and events, they are trying to raise community awareness and bring more members to the lodge. "And our Casino Night is a very affordable event for the community to enjoy. We at the Elks Lodge look forward to meeting more of our community members and local business partners and thank them for their support."

The lodge is located at 16694 Wasco Ave. To purchase tickets or for more information, call Brown at 661-477-4109 or Daniel Whinery at 661-474-9145.