2nd Annual Monte Carlo Night 2011
 

2^nd Annual Monte Carlo Night Hits the Jackpot
By Marianne Taylor

Viva Las Vegas!  The sounds of Frank Sinatra echoed through the casino-decorated Summersville Arena & Conference Center at the 2^nd Annual Monte Carlo Night sponsored by the Summersville Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, February 4. 

“We are thrilled with the turnout this year,” said Pam Casto, President of the Board of Directors of the Chamber.  “This is such a fun event and everyone is having a great time.”

The arena was decorated in black, white, and silver with slot machine and dice balloon bouquets scattered throughout the room.  Candles, lighted columns and hanging chandeliers illuminated the facility for this semi-formal event.  Guests could take pictures between the dice columns and flashing casino sign.  The stage was decorated with dice and beautifully wrapped baskets, which were given away each hour throughout the evening. 

The center of the arena was filled with eight black jack tables, slot machines, two roulette wheels, craps, a money wheel, and a horse racing game.  Each guest was given $10,000 in play money to enjoy at the games of their choice, and then was able to cash out the winnings for tickets for a chance to win any of eleven prizes. 

The prizes for the evening included a weekend getaway to Stonewall Resort, a ski package for four to Winterplace, an autographed football by Major Harris, a GPS, an LG Optimus cell phone. a digital camera, jewelry, a primitive dry sink, a fire pit, a 19 inch television, and an autographed basketball by the WVU girls basketball team.

“We are very grateful to the businesses who donated the prizes for the evening,” said Marianne Taylor, Director of the Chamber.  “Businesses who donated were Stonewall Resort, Winteplace, John Eye Big Sandy, Advance Auto, US Cellular, Gauley River Physical Therapy, Dodrill Jewelers, Hardman’s Hardware, and Lowe’s of Summersville.  In addition, our hourly basket give-ways were donated by City Floral & Gifts, Tracie Smith of NStyle, Nicholas Memorial Golf Course, Café Acropolis, Wal-Mart, and Marquee Cinema Nicholas Showplace Theater.”

 Food for the evening was provided by Beth Goette of the Celtic Cook and included some very delicious meatballs, chicken tenders, an array of cheeses and fruits, and many other fabulous appetizers.  For the sweet tooth, Beth provided multiple desserts, including her famous brownies and cookies. 
 

Celebrity dealers for the evening included Mayor Robert Shafer, Bucky Frame, PK Milam, Gary Brown, Roger Beverage, Greg Sproles, Baron Morton, Brian Mink, Pam Casto, Steve Brown, Tammy Odell, Jamie Smith, Stephen Young, Amy Young, Corey Browning, and Dr. Marvin Wurth. 

“This is the second year I have volunteered to serve as a dealer,” said Amy Young.  “It is really a good time and everyone enjoys getting out, especially since we have had such a cold and snowy winter.”

Monte Carlo Night is one of three fundraisers that the Chamber sponsors to raise funds for their Education Fund, which provides a scholarship for a graduating high school senior and several educational programs for the youth of the community.  These programs include a Career Day for middle school students, a summer reading program for elementary students, and the Youth Entrepreneurial Leadership Challenge for high school students.”

“Monte Carlo Night is the first of our fund raisers for 2011,” said Marianne.  “It is really a fun evening for a very good cause.  The other fund raisers we have planned for 2011 are a pancake breakfast and the 2^nd Annual Golf Classic, planned for the fall at the Nicholas Memorial Golf Course.”

Prizewinners for the evening included Nancy Cornell, Harley Stollings, Christina Shrader, Redi Care, Susie Whitely, Lorie Milam, Ruth Morris, Kim Smith, Erin Massey, Duke Rogers, Judy Spencer, John Shields, Paul Hess, Clint Jones, Sara Schwartz, and Stevie LeRose. 

“I am very excited to have won the autographed football by Major Harris,” said Clint Jones of Cultured Catering.  “I have a steak on our menu called “The Major” named after Major Harris.  I really enjoyed the evening and am happy to support the Chamber and their many programs.”

Mark your calendars for next year’s Monte Carlo Night, already scheduled for Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Summersville Arena & Conference Center.  If you would like more information about the Summersville Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit the chamber’s new and vibrant website at www.summersvillechamber.com or call the office at 304-872-1588.

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