Everyone is all smiles as they get ready for the annual Wranglers n’ Roulette fundraiser for Mill Road Social Enterprises. Left to right: Jonathan Ringer, Jim Mustard, Mary MacMaster, and Cindy O’Neill.
-by Beverley Phillips
It’s that time of year again – time to dust off your cowboy hat and boots because Mill Road Social Enterprises is ready for its sixth annual Wranglers n’ Roulette casino fundraiser on August 28th.
“We need to raise $100,000 each year,” said executive director Cindy O’Neill, “and this is our biggest fundraiser.”
While everyone is invited to come try their hand at blackjack or the roulette wheel, Mill Road director Mary MacMaster doesn’t want the point of the evening to be lost. “This is an opportunity to help adults with diverse abilities,” she said. “Through our programming, our participants build skills, confidence, and friendships. The community’s support is making a big difference in their lives.”
Mill Road offers a variety of opportunities and programming for their participants, including employment at their thrift shop and bakery.
Being part of the wider community is also important to them. “Some participants will be volunteering and are really looking forward to being part of this,” said MacMaster.
The evening offers a full slate of activities. “The doors open at 6:30,” said O’Neill, “and the activities begin right at 7:00 p.m.”
To get into the western spirit and warm up for the rest of the night, attendees will receive line dancing lessons, which O’Neill said have proven to be a lot of fun in previous years.
Then there’s a live auction on four packages, which include such experiences as golf at the Nest, a night at the Northeast Cove Geodomes in Mabou, or getting pampered at the Earth and Soul Spa in Inverness.
At 8:00 p.m., the games begin. With the $30 ticket, attendees receive $35 in chips to play at their favourite table. More chips can be purchased if people run out.
For those not into gambling, there are other games on hand.
A silent auction will run throughout the evening, and there will be a 50-50 draw and door prizes. There are also prizes for the top three best western-dressed partygoers.
“It’s a great way to meet up with friends, make new ones, and support a good cause,” said O’Neill.
An evening like this is only possible with the support of their local business sponsors, including the Aucoin Group, Zutphen Construction, and Cabot Cape Breton.
“People in this town are so amazing to support us year after year,” said MacMaster, “and we very much appreciate it.”
A few tickets remain, and they can be purchased at Mill Road Social Enterprises at 20 Mill Road, Inverness, or the Pantry at 15938 Central Avenue, Inverness