Casino in the Cape to carry derby theme
Lady Luck could be on your side next Friday night, as the Leadership Cape Coral Class of 2024 hosts an annual Vegas-style event with some southern charm to benefit local non-profits.
The 14th annual Casino in the Cape takes place April 4 from 6 to 11 p.m. at Splendor Event Hall, where all proceeds and donations support the Lee BIA Builders Care, Thrive SWFL, and Guardian Angels for Special Populations.
Tickets are $85 to the event where popular table and casino games such as craps, roulette, and blackjack are offered with guests having the opportunity to win and bid on raffles and silent auctions.
This tradition, put on by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral developed the Leadership Cape Coral program to educate local business leaders about the City’s infrastructure while encouraging community stewardship.
“Casino in the Cape is one of our favorite events each year,” said Donna Germain, president & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral. “It’s planned entirely by our most recent graduates of the Leadership Cape Coral program as their community project. They take the lead on everything-from finding sponsors and food vendors to selling tickets. It’s the culmination of their Leadership experience and a meaningful way for them to give back by supporting local nonprofit organizations. We are so proud of the Class of 2024 and all their efforts to put this event on.”
Germain added that this year’s Kentucky Derby theme is sure to add even more excitement to the night.
“The Cape Coral Rotary Clubs run the casino tables, and guests play with ‘funny money’ to earn tickets for our Chance Auction,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. There’s a diamond drop, silent auction, raffles, a photo booth, great food, and we will even have ‘horse racing’ this year.”
Since 2011, this event has raised more than $300,000, all of which has been donated back to various non-profit organizations over the years.
As for why this year’s local non-profits were chose, Germain said:
“The organizations are selected entirely by the class. Over the course of the 13-week Leadership Cape Coral program, participants explore various facets of our community through hands-on experiences and site visits. One day is specifically dedicated to community stewardship, where the class learns about the vital work local nonprofits do. At the end of the program, the group collectively decides, often by vote, which organizations will receive the proceeds from their community project.”
Each ticket purchased includes a meal, drinks, casino cash, with live music entertaining guests throughout the evening.
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral created the Leadership Cape Coral program to inspire, educate, and cultivate the next generation of community-minded business leaders. This 13-week program offers an in-depth look at what makes Cape Coral thrive, covering everything from local history and government to healthcare, public safety, media, community stewardship, and beyond.
For Casino in the Cape tickets, including sponsorship opportunities, as well as more information about Leadership Cape Coral, visit www.capecoralchamber.com.
Splendor Event Hall is at 360 Santa Barbara Blvd. S.