Bet on a good time for a great cause

Whether you’re a high roller or a social butterfly, put on your finest duds and head out to Eras Event Center Oct. 10 for the Hill City Area Community Foundation (HCACF) adults-only Casino Night—an evening of games, music, food and fun for a good cause.

Attendees are given a pack of “funny money,” to try their luck at casino-style games such as Blackjack, Craps and Roulette provided by the Rapid City Knights of Columbus.

“The Knights of Columbus are absolutely hilarious,” said HCACF president Stacia Peters. “Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, they’ll help you through it. They make it a good time.”

At the end of the evening, the person holding the most funny money will be crowned. 

If high stakes gaming isn’t in your cards, Peters assures there will be plenty of other ways to enjoy the evening.

The event will feature music, food, drinks and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of the community.

Eras Event Center will provide a cash bar with proceeds donated to the Natural History Alliance’s educational programming. 

Guests can also try their luck in the silent and live auctions, featuring items donated by generous local businesses and individuals. 

Food for the evening will be provided by From Scratch Catering, a Black Hills-based company that uses locally sourced ingredients.

“Maija and Heidi do such a great job,” said Peters. “They always have such delicious food and dessert offerings.”

When it comes to attire, guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the evening.

Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed Cowboy Casanova and Cowgirl Chic.

Although dressing up isn’t required, organizers encourage attendees to have some fun with their wardrobe.

“We want everybody to come and have fun with it, dress up and have a good time,” Peters said. 

After the silent auction tables and gaming has closed at 9:30 p.m., Brent Morris will provide musical entertainment to keep the fun going.

While Casino Night promises plenty of entertainment, the event has a much bigger purpose: raising funds for the HCACF. Through the foundation, local nonprofits can apply for grants to fund projects that benefit the community and the people who live in and visit Hill City.

“We like to say it’s the gift that keeps on giving because that money goes into a permanent endowment, and the principal is never spent,” said Peters.

According to the website, grants are awarded each year from a portion of the interest accrued from the previous year’s balance.

The HCACF is currently working to meet an active three-year $300,000 fundraising challenge issued through the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), that if met, the foundation would receive a $37,500 matching grant provided by the SDCF. 

“We’re optimistic that with casino night,” said Peters, “we will be able to reach that goal.”

“We’re making a big call to the community to come together, because an extra $37,500 is big chunk of change,” said Peters. 

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online through eventbrite.com.

Whether you’re ready to test your luck at the tables of simply enjoy an evening with friends and neighbors, Casino Night offers a chance to have a little fun while supporting a lasting investment in the Hill City community.