McGlinn Hall will hold their annual Casino Night on Friday, inviting students to deal, gamble and practice their skills while raising money for St. Adalbert Catholic School in South Bend, the dorm’s primary community partner.
Last year’s fundraiser broke the dorm’s record and raised over $3,000, junior Molly Zachlin, one of the students spearheading the event, said. All of the money goes directly to the school. In the past, funds have helped supply new gym floors and transportation for the students and teachers.
Continuing their support for St. Adalbert, students from McGlinn and Fischer Hall also tutor students at the school for an hour each week, using Casino Night to further their involvement with the students’ well-being, Zachlin said.
“It’s a really good relationship we have between two schools,” she said.
Zachlin started planning for the fundraiser as early as October. She said the hard work of the McGlinn commissioners always pays off. The students hope to make the fundraiser as successful as last year, not only for St. Adalbert’s, but for the Notre Dame community as well, she added.
In addition to the charitable aspect of the event, Casino Night is also an opportunity for Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross students to gather and enjoy fellowship, food and a variety of classic casino games, Zachlin said. The games offered at the event include Texas Hold’em, Roulette and Blackjack.
Zachlin said perhaps the most exciting of the games is the Texas Hold’em tournament, with students competing against each other until a first and second-place winner are crowned. The first-place winner will take home a $100 Amazon gift card, while the runner-up will walk away with a $50 Amazon card.
In addition to the tournament prizes, winning students in every game of the night can expect gift cards to the Hammes Bookstore and to a variety of local restaurants.
The event works by allotting students a set amount of fake money to gamble throughout the night.
“This fake money is then exchanged for raffle tickets for a chance to win tons of great prizes and gift cards or to purchase mocktails,” sophomore Alisa Nguyen, a co-commissioner of the event, said in an email.
The event’s fun, classy but casual atmosphere makes it stands out among other dorm gatherings, Zachlin said.
“It’s pretty unique compared to other dorm events,” she said. “We try to get a little classy. The McGlinn girls definitely dress up a little more nicely, and it’s a really fun time.”
Tickets went on presale for $5, but they are still available at the door for $7. Nguyen said she urges students to consider attending.
“Casino Night is a high-energy environment that facilitates community and fun,” she said. “It’s a chance to relax with friends, enjoy good food and music, meet new people and show off your poker face — all while helping raise money for St. Adalbert’s.”
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