Taking a hint from the popular James Bond movies, the Gainesville Jaycees have their roulette and poker tables ready — and maybe even a martini — for their first Casino Royale party.
The Casino Royale-themed party will bring hors d’oeuvres, gaming, drinks and entertainment — all for charity.
"This past year we supplied, basically, gifts for 2,000 kids for Christmas through what is called our Empty Stocking Fund," said Shane Gaddy, the president of the Gainesville Jaycees. "We thought this year we would transition to (a fundraiser that was) a little more fun ... Basically, a ticket includes food, beer or wine with a cash bar and you get some play money to have some fun with, or a raffle ticket."
For the past four years, the Jaycees have raffled off a car, including a Ferrari or a Camaro. This year it will be a 1971 Rolls Royce.
According to Gaddy, raffle ticket holders do not have to be present to win.
"The grand prize is a 1971 Rolls Royce, Breitling Navitimer men’s watch, a ladies diamond pendant, a rope diamond bracelet and a stay at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C.," Gaddy said.
Second prize is a two-night vacation at the Reynolds Plantation Ritz Carlton including a spa or golf package and a $500 American Express gift card. Third prize is a one night getaway at Ritz Carlton Buckhead with a dinner for two at Palm Rest and a $1,000 American Express gift card.
The event is black tie optional. Tickets are $100 per person, $150 per couple and raffle tickets are $50. A raffle ticket is included in the price of a ticket.
"There are a limited number of tickets available; we have 1,000," Gaddy said. "We have sold roughly half of the raffle tickets. We will have the drawing Saturday night, so the deadline (to purchase tickets) is Saturday night."