Originally published in the Guernsey Gazette and Platte-County Record Times February 2022.
WHEATLAND, WY — At the Agriplex in the Platte County Fairgrounds on the night of February 19, the Kiwanis Club of Wheatland hosted a Casino Night.
The casino night was a fundraiser and was done in partnership with Platte County Memorial Hospital and Platte County Legacy Home Foundation Board.
“As far as I’m concerned when people have a good time and leave with a smile, it was a huge success,” said Kit Armour, the President of the Kiwanis Club of Wheatland. “
The doors opened at 6:30 p.m. with a $40 cost of entry. The entry fee provided guests with $200 in fake gambling money, a raffle ticket, and a free drink ticket to a bar hosted by Guadalajara’s Mexican restaurant.
Attendees could participate in craps, blackjack, Texas hold ‘em, roulette, and goldfish races. The goldfish races were hosted by the hospital, while the rest of the casino games were provided by Casino Party USA.
“They’re based out of both Colorado and Wyoming, and they do primarily casino parties as fundraisers for various organizations,” said Armour.
Food and drink was available throughout the night. Guadalajara’s set up cash bar with alcoholic drinks and Ascape Event Planning supplied catering.
“They do catering as well as full on event planning,” said Armour. “They have a photography arm to it, all of that stuff.”
Along with the games and refreshments were the raffle and silent auction. The silent auction consisted of items created by local artisans and donated to the event.
“The silent auction was really fun,” said Armour. “We had over 40 items from various artists from watercolor paintings to a beautiful quilt to hand carved walk sticks, to various things of that nature.”
At the end of the night, participants could cash in their earnings for more chances in the raffle.
The three big prizes were a Big Green Egg BBQ grill donated by Ace Hardware, a three night stay at French Ridge Condos in Breckenridge, Colorado, and an assortment prize pack.
The casino night was brought together with the help of at least 30 volunteers and an estimated 100 people came in attendance.
According to Armour, the favorite thing about the casino night to her is seeing people come out and support different causes.
“I enjoy the entire thing and just seeing people having a good time and seeing people participate and support various organizations and various ages within our community of people and giving freely to help support the kids as well as our older generation.”
The Platte County Memorial Hospital and Platte County Legacy Home Foundation Board helped sponsor the event. Armour did not want to let them and their help go unnoticed.
“The goldfish races were a hoot,” said Armour. “We were racing real goldfish and they had that whole thing set up. It was a ton of fun.”
The feedback about the casino night which Armour heard from guests was positive and has indicated that the casino night could likely return next year.
“Pretty much what I heard was everybody enjoyed it and they had a good time and they look forward to it happening again,” said Armour.
“So they want to see it continue and become an annual event, and that’s our goal. That’s what we plan to do.”
James Meyer 