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Casino night supports S.P.C.A. shelter

Brian Wilkinson

(Updated: Thursday, August 19, 2010, 11:46 AM)

The Oakhurst Community Center was transformed into a mini casino last Saturday as 160 people came out to try their luck at gambling while supporting the Eastern Madera County S.P.C.A. building fund.

Following "Yappy Hour"and dinner, catered by Crab Cakes Restaurant/Yosemite Catering, players with their $200 in scrip, were invited to play black jack, Texas hold 'em, craps and roulette.

At the end of the evening, attendees exchanged their gambling winnings for raffle tickets for chances to win one of 75 prizes.

According to Sharon Fitzgerald, president of the EMC S.P.C.A., the first time event ,"Viva Paws Vegas Casino Night," raised $4,500 with the help of the community and 30 volunteers who were card dealers, served food and decorated the community center.

"The important thing is that we are seeing how concerned the community is over the lack of services for animals in Eastern Madera County," Fitzgerald said.

About $200,000 has been raised to date for the $1 million project.

"We plan to come up with fun ways for people to support us," Fitzgerald said, conceding the fund raising effort is a huge challenge. "We have to do monthly events, not annual events."

Fitzgerald feels the Mountain Area wants and will support the no-kill shelter as an alternative to Madera County Animal Control operations.

The organization currently operates two spay/neuter programs and helps place needy animals through Adorable Adoptables, a weekly featured animal in the Sierra Star.