The inaugural Vintage Vegas Extravaganza will transport guests back to the 1920s-'30s era of the city that never sleeps.
The Jan. 11 fundraiser features an Italian five-course meal, music and entertainment, along with a social casino and poker tournament. Proceeds will benefit popular local charity YANA (You Are Not Alone).
Dinner is $100, which includes a drink ticket and fun money for the casino. The 60-person poker tournament is an additional $100.
"We started last January," said event co-host Angela Zumbo, owner of the Mortgage Centre Comox Valley. "The idea popped up the year before. It's been quite the endeavour."
She and Daryl Robbins (Daryl Robbins Notary Public) both grew up in the Comox Valley. As business owners, they want to give back to the community.
As supporters of YANA, which helps families whose children need out-of-Valley medical care, they decided to throw a fun, adult fundraiser.
Zumbo and Robbins, who hope the extravaganza becomes an annual event, have appealed to Courtenay council for volunteer support, and plan to do the same in Comox. They need about 15 staffers to serve meals. There are also positions for blackjack and poker dealers, wheel of fortune attendants, bar ticket sales, security and runners.
They are asking businesses to purchase sponsorship packages.
The extravaganza will start at 5 p.m. and run until about 11 p.m. at the Comox Community Centre.
Upon arrival, patrons will be handed a wad of fun-casino cash. Dinner is at 6 p.m. The poker tourney is at 8 p.m. Top prize is $1,000.
The Georgia Strait Big Band will provide entertainment.
Visit www.vintagevegas.ca for more information.
YANA was founded in 1986. The charity has funded thousands of trips for medical treatment in Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, the U.S. and England.
For details, visit yanacomoxvalley.com.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com