Lacasino Royale - 007

LaCASA/Zacharias Center’s annual casino night fundraiser was held at the historic Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park September 15 and raised more than $134,000, a new record.

Special guests included members of the Aunts & Uncles Club, a group of generous supporters who pledge a minimum of $1,000 annually to support the center’s Children’s Program. The event is underwritten by “Uncles” Jon Mills (of Highland Park ) and Morris Belzberg (of Rancho Mirage, CA). LaCASINO Royale 2007 was an evening filled with warmth and friendship as the Zacharias Center’s staff and volunteers worked hard to make everyone feel welcome. There was plenty of Monte Carlo-style mock gambling excitement, as well as an incredible buffet and decadent desserts. Classic movie music filled the air, courtesy of guest pianist Jim Blockinger, who volunteered his talents for the event.

A short, but meaningful program educated the audience as to the importance of the Zacharias’ Centers’ mission and included poignant comments from a rape survivor. Both host Jon Mills and Executive Director, Torrie Flink urged everyone present to visit the center and see for themselves the special healing nature of the facility.

“Thanks to everyone’s planning and hard work, LaCASINO Royale was an exciting and fabulously successful event,” said Volunteer Co-Chair Michele Jenks (of Gurnee), who also helped coordinate the live auction segment of the evening that raised nearly $60,000 in 15 minutes. Also serving as Co-Chairs for the event were said John and Connie Klein (of Mundelein ).

“This was our most successful LaCASINO Night ever, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our Aunts & Uncles and many dedicated event volunteers,” said LaCASA’s exuberant Executive Director Torrie Flink. “From the minute people arrived, they were caught up in the theme and the spirit of what has turned into a not-to-be-missed annual event. People are already asking us about attending next year’s event.”

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