Casino fundraiser benefits Thunderbolt Council of Westfield (photos)
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WESTFIELD — For the men and women of the 104th Fighter Wing Air National Guard it was a night to cut loose for a few hours as more than 300 civilian and military visitors filled the Shortstop Bar & Grill to enjoy a night of friendly casino-style gaming.
Master Sgt. Jason Ballon, of the 104th Fighter Wing said proceeds will be given to the nonprofit civilian Thunderbolt Council.
The Thunderbolt Council, Inc. is charged with supporting and promoting the mission and personnel of the 104th Fighter Wing and Massachusetts Air National Guard Base in Westfield. Activities of the corporation include, but are not limited to organizing, supporting, promoting, coordinating and managing air shows and all related activities and events on behalf of the 104th Fighter Wing.
Brooke Dadona, marketing coordinator for Movement Mortgage, said their Agawam branch spearheaded the Casino for a Cause fundraiser Thursday night. Dadona said many of the employees at the Agawam office have connections with the 104th and everyone wanted to support the troops and give back to the community. The company blasted out an email to their contacts which included attorneys, Realtors, and financial backers to help support the cause. That email helped draw more than 300 people to the event.
The fundraiser took about five-months to put together according to Dadona.
Westfield business owner Nabil Hannoush of the Shortstop Bar & Grill donated the entire building free of charge to the four-hour fundraiser. The Casino for a Cause featured a 50/50 raffle, Texas hold’em, craps, roulette and blackjack and professional dealers and organizers from Seacoast Events in Newburyport running the gaming operation.
Advance registration was highly recommended and the $50 buy-in donation included hors d’oeuvres, snacks and a set amount of chips for gaming. Movement Mortgage provided matching funds for proceeds raised from the casino-style event. Cocktail attire was required.
