After the grand opening of the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Pantry at Hansen Student Center these past couple of weeks, Alpha Gamma Delta (AGD) is throwing their hands in to help fight hunger. AGD has been planning some new updates this year compared to last year’s because Casino night will be held in one location, and have new prizes. All money raised will go to AGD’s philanthrophy that will donate to Meals on Wheels and Feeding America. Doors will be open at Young Main Lounge on Friday, February 22nd to all Illinois Wesleyan Students and Faculty/ Staff. With each AGD member being allowed to invite two non-IWU individuals.
Under the lead of their vice president of philanthropy, second-year student, Avary Kampworth, AGD members have been awfully busy planning this event. This casino-themed philanthropy event provides guests with the opportunity to play games and win raffle tickets. They are then able to put these tickets into different raffle bins for the chance to win numerous prizes. All money raised goes directly towards a good case, supporting Alpha Gamma Delta’s philanthropy, of fighting hunger.
“When casino night comes around every year, AGD relies heavily on our campus community to
make it a great night. This has been a tradition for our chapter for a long time and sharing the experience with the campus always makes for great memories,” Kampworth said.
Some may be unaware, but Bloomington is considered a food desert. Bloomington is a large city and in certain areas it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food. According to Welfare Info, one in 7.5 people in Bloomington live in poverty. This makes it very difficult for those without transportation to have access to fresh food if it isn’t in walking distance. Issues like these have inspired Alpha Gamma Delta to take action in the community. Members of AGD are also committed to fighting hunger through their volunteer work in local programs like Meals on Wheels Bloomington and The Midwest Foodbank.
Regardless of one’s familiarity with card games, there are opportunities for all to win raffle tickets at Casino Night. The games range from family games like Uno and Cards Against Humanity, to Black Jack and other poker variations. Raffle tickets are then put into drawings to win prizes. This year, prizes include a GymShark themed basket, IWU gear, a Yeti Cooler, DP Dough gift cards, Fiesta Ranchera gift cards, a television, an air fryer, and various other baskets and items.
“All of the money from donations, ticket sales and other activities goes towards fighting hunger in communities like ours. It means a lot to our chapter to be able to do this every year.” Kampworth adds.
A new amendment to the prize opportunities this year will be a television raffle where tickets to win are sold inside the event, rather than tickets being won through games. This gives attendees the chance to enter their names as many times as they wish.
In addition, members of AGD are especially excited for this year’s Casino night to be held solely in Young Main Lounge, as last year’s event was split up between two locations across campus which made the behind-the-scenes processes quite difficult.
Anna McBride, AGD president, is also excited for an expanded audience this year to AGD members. “This is the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic began that we are able to invite guests that don’t attend Illinois Wesleyan, hence, we are truly able to engage with the Bloomington-Normal community.” McBride said.
The members of AGD have been working very hard to prepare for Casino Night and are excited to put on this event and are hoping for a good turnout. Tickets will be on sale for $8 starting the week of Monday, February 21st in Dugout.