Selma Charity League’s gamble pays off Saturday
Published 10:47 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Hundreds tried their hand at Vegas-style games set up in the Old National Guard Armory for the Selma Charity League’s Chips for Charity event Saturday night. — Sarah Cook
Residents donned sparkly dresses and crisp blazers Saturday night as the Selma Charity League hosted their first ever Chips for Charity fundraiser, benefiting Sav-A-Life, the Central Alabama Animal Shelter, the Food Pantry and Easter Seals.
Christina Siddens, fundraising chairman for the charity league, said the amount of residents who attended the event “exceeded everyone’s expectations.”
“It went really, really well,” Siddens said. “We had a really big crowd, definitely more than expected.”
More than 300 residents purchased tickets for the fundraiser and Siddens said although the final monetary amount raised hasn’t been calculated, she expects it to be quite impressive.
“We’re planning on doing it again next year because it was such a hit,” Siddens said. We appreciate the great turnout, Selma really came out for this.”
In addition to slot machines and craps tables, attendees also enjoyed dancing the night away to dueling pianos while enjoying seemingly endless hors d’oevres.
Sarah Youngblood, president of the Central Alabama Animal Shelter Board, said she was not only grateful for the Charity League in choosing CAAS as a beneficiary, but thought the fundraiser was fun for everyone.
“Any funds we can get are greatly appreciated,” Youngblood said, adding that she had a fantastic time at the event. “It was something totally different to do that was fun and it was just an all around great event. They went above and beyond.”
Similar to Youngblood, David White, administrator for Easter Seals, said funds raised from the event were greatly appreciated.
“We operate on a pretty thin budget, so any extra funds we can receive helps us meet our expenses,” White said. “We rely heavily on donations and contributions to keep this program operating.”
White said money received from the event will be used to benefit Easter Seal’s special preschool program, which is free for area families.
“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the charity league and appreciate them including us in their inaugural Chips for Charity program,” he said.
