Spiraling gas prices and travel expenses won’t be a problem Saturday night at “Let the good times roll in Vegas,” the annual C/SARA Foundation Inc. fundraiser.
Instead of traveling to Nevada, high rollers or those who simply want to contribute to a good cause and have fun at the same time can enjoy that Las Vegas atmosphere inside Ardmore Convention Center.
The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and include dinner at the “endless buffet of wonderful delicacies including zesty Italian, Tex-Mex, spicy barbecue and fabulous desserts accompanied by a variety of beverages and spirits,” as well as dancing and entertainment by Strongwood and Tin Rivers bands and door prizes.
And attendees can purchase “chips” to “take a chance with our version of casino-style games and hit the jackpot with prizes,” Sissy Burge, C/SARA Child Advocacy Center coordinator, said.
Prizes include two 42-inch LCD televisions, two $500 fuel cards, a $500 gift certificate from Homegrown Stone, a set of four Michelin tires, a GPS navigational system, and a wide assortment of other items.
In addition, Southern Oklahoma Quilters Guild has donated a quilt to be given away as a raffle prize. The quilt is currently on display at First National Bank’s downtown location.
The event is open to the public. Dress is casual and everyone is encouraged to wear their “dancing shoes.” Ticket deadline is Friday. Tickets can be obtained by calling C/SARA at (580) 226-7283.
Burge said “Let the good times roll in Vegas” is C/SARA’s only fundraiser.
“And 85 cents out of every dollar goes to direct program services,” she said.
C/SARA’s mission is “... to provide education, collaboration and victim advocacy to assist children and adults experiencing crisis resulting from trauma, abuse or loss.” The mission is carried out by caring through the Child Advocacy Center, Sara’s House and the Sexual Assault Response Team and programs that include: Crisis Management Training and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
Burge said so far this year alone Sara’s House has served more than 106 abused children from Carter, Love, Marshall, Murray and Johnston counties.
“Our Child Advocacy Center allows child abuse victims to undergo only one investigative interview and only one medical examination in a child-friendly environment,” Burge said. “This joint effort, with all the necessary agencies involved, encourages a more accurate and less traumatic case investigation.”
The Sexual Assault Response Team is C/SARA’s newest service. Burge said the team will provide intervention, treatment and advocacy for victims of sexual assault across southern Oklahoma.
C/SARA also provides Crisis Management Training, as well as support, for school systems across the state. C/SARA staff and trained volunteers are not only able to provide consultation service, but also on-site assistance during crisis situations at schools.
Through the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, area professionals and ordinary citizens alike can gain the knowledge they need to become aware of the signals and symptoms preceding suicide attempts and gain the learn intervention skills.
“The emphasis of this workshop training is suicide first aid. It gives people the tools they need to help an at risk person stay safe and get further help,” Burge said.
Crisis Management and Suicide Intervention Training Programs are conducted several times a year and open to the public.
Those who are unable to attend Saturday night’s once-a-year fundraiser can contribute to the ongoing efforts of C/SARA by sending a tax deductible check to the organization at P.O. Box 1396, Ardmore, OK 73401.
Those wanting to discuss any of the services offered by the foundation should call (580) 226-7283.
Marsha Miller 221-6529
marsha.miller@ardmoreite.com
