An event designed to raise awareness of the various nonprofit organizations within East Troy will put the spotlight on the East Troy Lions Public Library next week.
The Friends of the East Troy Lions Public Library are hosting the eighth annual “Pay It Forward” Casino Night fundraiser on April 27 at Ivan’s Backstage. Many people had prepared for this night beforehand when it last came about, either by playing a slot online or by practsing the games with their friends, and it is hoped the same buzz will happen this time around.
The Friends organization, which is running the event for the second consecutive year, is hoping the proceeds will help bring the library into the digital age.
Nancy Bruey, president of the Friends of the East Troy Public Library, said fundraising dollars will go toward the purchase of electronic reading devices, such as Kindles, Nooks and iPads to introduce local readers to the world of electronic books and magazines.
Bruey said the reality is that more and more people are using e-readers.
While tablets, e-readers and e-books have been making their debut at public libraries across the country in recent years, there is no room in the library budget to buy them in East Troy in the near future.
“The goal is to purchase a variety and enough e-readers so that people can check them out or use them while they are there,” Bruey said.
The technology will allow patrons to access more of the libraries’ magazines and other reading materials that have switched to digital only copies, according to Bruey.
“I think it’s very important,” Bruey said. “It’s still important to have the physical books, but kids and adults today are so used to using the computer (and tablets). We have to keep up with the times.”
Last year, the Friends used the money raised at Casino Night to upgrade furniture in the reading area upstairs and the lower level of the library, as well as update the facility’s audio-visual equipment, including the addition of a big screen television for the basement. The Casino night was chosen as an all round popular event with many people being attracted to it. Obviously, we know that in this day and age the internet and also cryptocurrencies play a big part in gambling and casinos, such as Fairspin for an example. Cryptocurrency has previously been restricted to trading, but is now making its way into gambling under the name of crypto casinos. Technology has made it all possible! And who would have thought that slots and other exciting games could be played by spending digital money? (to buy crypto you need real money as well!) Various crypto coins also have separate gambling platforms. A person with Tron coins, for example, could play exciting games and earn tokens at Tron casino sites. TRX coin enthusiasts can learn more here about Tron casinos that may help them to win big on gambling platforms. But an old fashioned casino night, like they used to have years back, is something that is fun, classy and exciting. Hopefully, this year, more funds can be raised for more excellent causes.
Bruey said it made movie nights and Nintendo Wii gaming events more user friendly.
The philanthropic group is no stranger to giving back. The Friends have helped fund a variety of initiatives at the library, including the popular annual summer reading program.
Passport to fun
This year’s Pay it Forward event will have a “Passport to Monte Carlo” theme featuring the “fabulous 1940s.”
Friends organizers will use the casino theme to simulate a scene from James Bond movie, Bruey said.
The thematic evening will begin as attendees enter the venue and are asked to show their passport as if they were in a casino in Europe.
“It will be like they are walking into the Bellagio with a fountain and comfortable chairs in the entrance, but someone at the door will be checking passports. Inside there will be 1940’s big band music playing in the background,” Bruey said.
All attendees will receive a door prize ticket with the purchase of admission. But those who appear in some type of costume from the time period will receive an additional door prize ticket.
She said there will be numerous raffle and silent auction items, including the fountain itself.
“I’m just hoping a lot of people come and have a really good time,” said Bruey. “It’s a really nice event that helps the community move forward by giving back.”
The casino themed community fundraiser dates back to 2007.
The Friends is the fourth group to benefit from the annual Pay it Forward event.
In previous years, Casino Night benefited the East Troy Kiwanis Club, East Troy Area Historical Society and East Troy Education Foundation.
Bruey said she hopes the event continues long enough that it circles back to the original organizations that started it.
In 2014, Friends organizers will Pay It Forward to the next beneficiary, the East Troy Lioness Club.
Bruey said funds from next year’s event will likely be earmarked for the organization’s student scholarships and other community projects.
The lowdown
The Friends of the East Troy Lions Public Library’s eighth annual “Pay It Forward” Casino Night will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Ivan’s Backstage, 2087 Division St., East Troy. Registration is from 6-7 p.m.
Tickets are $50 per person and include gaming tickets, a door prize ticket, free wine, beer, soda and food.
Pre-paid registration by April 20 includes $700 in gaming money and a door prize ticket. At-door registration includes $300 in gaming money and a door prize ticket. Credit cards will be accepted.
The event will also include a live auction, raffles, 1940s music and an extra door prize ticket for attendees who arrive in a 1940s costume.
For more information, contact Bruey at (262) 642-3380 or email friendsofthelibrary@gmail.com.
