By Sarah Lang/The Lebanon Reporter
Lebanon — Cheri Goodwin, executive director of the Lebanon Educational Foundation, hopes the 500-plus people who were sent invitations to the first annual LEF “Betting on Education” casino night and auction have just set their invites aside and accidentally forgotten about them.
Because so far, only 30 have given their RSVP. Goodwin is hoping for 100 attendees.
“It’s coming in very, very slowly right now,” Goodwin said. “I think, typically, people wait until the last moment to RSVP to something. You think, ‘Oh, that sounds like fun,’ but then forget about it.”
Monday is the last day to RSVP to the event, which will be at Ulen Country Club at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28. The public is welcome to come by calling LEF at 482-1185 or visiting www.lebanonlef.org.
Those attending will receive 50 poker chips as part of their admission — $40 a person or $70 a couple. Black Jack, Texas Hold ‘Em, Roulette, Craps, Over & Under and many other games will be offered, along with appetizers and beverages throughout the evening. There will also be an open cash bar.
Parky’s Steakhouse is offering 20 percent off dinner to guests who dine there before heading over to the event. Guests must show their invitation.
A variety of items, Goodwin said, such as gift certificates, rounds of golf, dinners for four, movie tickets and themed baskets, will be auctioned off at the end of the night. Those wishing to be a sponsor or to donate items for the auction should contact the foundation.
Goodwin said the new event is an effort to raise money for teacher grants and student scholarships. Typically, money for those comes from interest from the foundation’s investments. But this year, there was no interest.
“And we’re not alone,” Goodwin said. “It’s just a really tough time for non-profits to get the money to do those good deeds.
“We’re just relying on the community. I’m looking forward to people coming out.”
