Vegas came to Vero last Friday night as the Bent Pine Golf Clubhouse was transformed into a casino to raise funds for the Environmental Learning Center, an organization dedicated to educating the public about the natural world and how they can take better care of our local natural resources. The ELC provides numerous educational opportunities to help the public to get up close and personal with the environment through boating and kayak excursions, touch tank encounters, school programs and activities.
More than 150 people came to play in Black Jack and Texas Hold ’Em tournaments and try their luck at the roulette wheel and other games of chance at the second annual Fabulous Vegas to Vero ELC Casino Party, with proceeds benefitting “Livin’ for the Lagoon, the ELC’s campaign to educate and inspire people to become better stewards of our fragile ecosystems.”
The festive atmosphere was contagious, and it mattered not if you were an experienced gambler or novice. Elvis even showed up to croon and preside over the Chapel of Love, where partiers could get married and have a photographer document the occasion.
“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” ELC Development director Camille Yates reminded the crowd. “So you are encouraged to go wild.”
Yates said the Vegas-themed fundraiser was so successful last year that the ELC opted to do it again, hoping to raise $100,000 at the event.
The evening was also notable as the first big event for new Executive Director Molly Steinwald, who joined the ELC staff two months ago. She volunteered to be the master of ceremonies for the evening before remembering that, since she had never gambled or been to Las Vegas, she had no idea what a Vegas emcee sounded like.
“I feel very honored and blessed to be a part of the ELC and all it can do to help change the world,” said Steinwald. “I am excited about the future and I am going to learn a bit more about fake gambling.”
Guests dined on a surf and turf dinner of filet mignon and jumbo lump crabmeat cakes, finishing with an orange honey crème brûlée for dessert.
The gaming began after dinner, with each guest receiving $500 worth of funny money that they exchanged for chips to play with. Chips were later exchanged for raffle prizes at the end of the evening.
Prizes included a sterling silver Vero Beach bracelet donated by Leigh Jewelers, a week of theater camp at Riverside Theater, a set of books autographed by local author and environmentalist Carl Hiaasen, and an exquisite oil painting of an ELC sunset by local artist Emily Tremml.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a really active board and so many people in the community who support our mission,” said Yates, feeling grateful as she looked around at the enthusiastic crowd.
The Environmental Learning Center offers a wide variety of programs and has been called the perfect place to take visiting grandchildren. For hours and program information, visit discoverelc.org.
