The Wort Hotel and JH Rotary Lunch Club Foundation celebrated an in-person and virtual hybrid Casino Night on November 6 in the Silver Dollar Bar with our generous community's help.
Rotary President Jim Waldrop and President/General Manager of The Wort Hotel welcomed guests to Casino Night. Waldrop spoke of the gratitude for our valley's generosity towards scholarship programs like Rotary's and how support from programs like this encourages students to dream big and achieve their goals.
Bill Baxter, the owner of The Wort Hotel, Mr. Waldrop, and everyone at The Wort Hotel, continues to make Casino Night a cannot miss event in Jackson's social calendar. In the last five years, their efforts have raised over a million dollars for student scholarships that benefit a diverse array of students who have shown merit through academics, work ethic, drive, and future goals.
This year's hybrid event meant limited in-person tickets were sold; however, folks could join online and pick up a prime rib dinner to enjoy during the festivities. While the traditional gambling elements such as blackjack and roulette tables were not present due to COVID, attendees enjoyed incredible entertainment from the Jackson 6 jazz band.
Hosts Jeff Ward, Erin Weissman and Jim Waldrop, kept the enthusiasm for silent auction items and donations going throughout the night. An original Amy Ringholz painting, custom J.W. Bennett hat and rounds of golf were among the fantastic auction items generously donated by sposors. After all the chips were counted, Casino Night raised $243,863 for student scholarships.
Casino Night would not be possible without our generous sponsors who step up to support local students year after year.
"We are beyond grateful for a community that, every year, knows the value of supporting our hardworking students through scholarship opportunities," says Rotary President Jim Waldrop. "Everyone at Rotary and The Wort Hotel works diligently to make this event happen, and we thank everyone who supported us and our generous, amazing sponsors for encouraging our local students to reach their potential and fulfill their dreams."