February 9, 2006

EHC LifeBuilders’ Casino Night exceeds 2005 numbers

Modest gains deemed a success

By Candy Richter
Staff Writer

The community came out in spades to support EHC LifeBuilders’ Singles Division third annual Casino Night Jan. 27 at Campbell’s Villa Ragusa.

Who needs “Lady Luck” when you have the “Ladies of Power and Influence” instead? Pictured from left, Campbell Councilman Don Burr, John Armando, District Attorney Karyn Sinunu, Clarence Stone, San Jose Councilmember Linda LeZotte and Tom François. Photos by Candy Richter

“We were a little behind in advance sales, but we really made up for it in raffle ticket sales,” said Ken Goldstein, assistant director of EHC LifeBuilders’ Singles Division. “Last year we sold about $3,000, or about 300 tickets. This year, we sold 400 tickets—$4,000—a week prior to the event. There were people that couldn’t attend that just bought a raffle ticket instead.”

Sponsored by the Alan and Bonnie Aerts Foundation and The Jewel Box, this fund-raiser has seen some slight changes over the events of years past. The casino format has essentially stayed the same, with a few small adjustments to remain compliant with local gaming laws. For the $50 ticket, attendees receive a one-time allotment of chips, four raffle tickets, dinner buffet, drink coupon, live entertainment and a professionally photographed portrait. The top three gaming “winners” will receive trophies rather than dollar value prizes.

Added to this year’s raffle was a silent auction. Prize contributions from local businesses included a Sony 24-inch flat-screen television, Canon Mini DV digital camcorder, and original artwork by Bernard Renot.

Bonnie Aerts interviews a guest at Casino Night for her Cable Access magazine-format program.

Now going on its second year, The Singles Division was founded by Director Bob Dolci, a 12-year veteran of EHC LifeBuilders’. It is currently the largest division in the area, serving approximately 250 individuals every day. In addition to providing living solutions for homeless adults, the program focuses on producing self-sufficient individuals who obtain and maintain stable housing and employment. They work with poverty-level seniors, disabled adults and the mentally ill, offering safe, affordable housing options.

According to Dolci, plans are currently in the works to open another facility in the Gilroy area in March that will be able to serve 140 people. “This is a $6 million project that we are able to start one year in advance because of a $3 million donation through Homeaid. This is why [fund-raising] events like this are so important to us. We have a goal to raise $20,000, and we’ll see.”

Although the event’s preliminary totals fell slightly short of the $20,000 goal, Goldstein has declared the 2006 Casino Night a success based on the revenue collected to date. “We increased our net profit by almost $2,000 over last year. We have about $17,000 now and should have $18,000 by the final total,” said Goldstein. “I’m pleased. It was a nice, modest increase.”

EHC LifeBuilders’ Casino Night, now in its third year, has raised over $45,000 to support the shelters and programs EHC LifeBuilders’ provides for homeless adults in Santa Clara county.