Forget reality television. The Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has developed a competition that gives four solid charities a chance to raise a lot of money, but only one can win.
Havana Casino Night is slated for Aug. 29 beginning at 6 p.m. at Quail Hollow, 6225 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. Presented by Rivera Chiropractic, the evening will include hand-rolled cigars, a cash bar, casino games, and music from Jorge Laureano & His Fiesta Orchestra.
The biggest event of the night, however, is who will walk away with half the casino night jackpot: Will it be Big Brothers Big Sisters? Helping Hands Food Pantry of Wesley Chapel? The Wesley Chapel Lions Club? Or, the Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers?
“We didn’t want to be the ones that said let’s choose, so we decided to leave that up to the public,” said John Jay, president of PHHCC, and owner of Finest DeeJays in Wesley Chapel. “Staying with our casino theme, everyone will place their bets on who will win half the proceeds.”
The decision will be made by who ends up with the most poker chips by the end of the night. Those poker chips will come from each person attending the casino night, encouraging all four organizations to bring as many potential supporters as possible.
The other half of the proceeds will go toward PHHCC’s scholarship fund, which will help three students this year seek out a college education.
Even if they don’t take home a bucket of quarters, each charity will have a chance to share what they do — and what they need — with the community, Jay said.
For instance, Big Brothers Big Sisters always has a need for Latino and Latina mentors. Helping Hands feeds hundreds of people throughout Wesley Chapel every week. And the Lions Club is raising money to build a park especially for handicapped children.
Oasis supplies food and other needs for pregnant women who have nowhere else to turn to.
“These four organizations all give back to the community,” Jay said. “Our main goal is to give back to the community as well, and to give these organizations a helping hand. And this way, we can bring a light to each and every one of them.”
For more information on tickets, visit www.PHHChamber.com, or call John Jay at (813) 298-3232.
