On Friday night, Dahnke Ballroom transformed into a glittering casino, with students dressing up to compete in poker games, win raffle prizes and raise money for a local parish. McGlinn Hall’s signature event, Casino Night, expected an attendance of around 1,000 people dropping in from 8 to 11 p.m. to test their luck.
After purchasing a ticket of $5 at the door, students had the opportunity to join in games such as blackjack, roulette and Texas hold ‘em, as well as enter into the raffle.
McGlinn Hall president Grace Slear described the recent additions to the event this year.
“There are a lot of components to balance. Selling shirts this year is a new upgrade, as well as selling drinks, and we orchestrated buying all the raffle prizes,” she said. “I’m really honored that so many people around campus come [and] it’s even cooler that all of McGlinn gets to put it on rather than just be entertained by it.”
The raffle boasted prizes ranging from Owala water bottles to AirPods. To join, students traded in $500 of their gambling winnings in exchange for a ticket to cast their vote for the item they were eyeing. Freshman Ari Guevara worked the raffle at the event.
“We have a lot of good options,” Guevara said. “Also, a football signed by CJ Carr.”
The funds raised over the course of the evening supported St. Adalbert’s Parish in South Bend. The parish, a ministry of the Congregation of Holy Cross, runs an elementary school as well as a Catholic church.
McGlinn vice president Lindsey Lark hoped for a good turnout for this year’s attendance and the amount of funds raised.
“I think we raised around $6,000 or $7,000 last year. So probably around that,” she shared.
The total amount raised at the signature event for this year has yet to be announced.
A new game was added to the lineup so students from St. Adalbert’s Parish could attend the event and join in the excitement.
“This year we added Go Fish for the kids from St. Adalbert’s who are coming to see. They’ll be here at 9 p.m.,” Lark said.
McGlinn Hall residents attend training sessions to learn how to deal the different games to prepare for the big night. Freshman Abby Pilcher described her experience leading a table for Texas hold ‘em.
“I’m still learning how to play, but everyone’s been so nice and helping me figure it out,” Pilcher stated. “It’s just been such a fun night.”
Finance major senior Mason Hedges was eager to join in on the gambling.
“I don’t really gamble, but I do want to learn how to play blackjack, so I’m really excited about that,” he said. “I’m expecting to win integrity, honor and good fortune.”
Casino Night grows in popularity year by year, which can be attributed to the thrilling competition and worthy cause. It is currently vying for the coveted spot as the biggest event on campus.
“The student union board, when talking about this the other night, said this might be one of the second-biggest events compared to the Keenan Revue. High praise,” Lark said.
