Vegas Fever spreads goodwill
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ELVIS sneaks a kiss from Kiwanis Club President LaNiece Winslow, during Vegas Fever festivities, held March 24 at the Shriners’ Building.
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Vegas Fever has come and gone, but the after effects remain — in the form of thousands raised to benefit Homeless Services of Aroostook.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
FESTIVITIES 
were lively at the Shriners’ Building March 24, as participants turned out for Vegas Fever, a fundraiser put on by the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club to benefit Homeless Services of Aroostook.
The fundraiser, hosted by the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club, in partnership with Cumulus Broadcasting and the Aroostook Shrine Club, at the Shriners’ Building on the Houlton Road March 24, was a day filled with excitement, as participants visited Vegas without having to leave the Star City, enjoying a variety of games throughout the day, followed by an auction later that evening.
“The turnout for all three events — BINGO in the morning, Texas Hold’em Tournament in the afternoon and casino and auction at night — was great. We have had numerous comments on how it was a very classy event and inquiries on if we are running it next year,” said Susan Watson, co-chair of the event.
Watson said comments from various people attending the festivities were positive.
“They said they had a wonderful time and want to get tickets for next year,” she said.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
TAKING A BREAK 
from the admissions table during the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club’s Vegas Fever event are, from left: John Graves, Sherri Wilcox, Carolyn Dorsey and Dawn Poitras.
Don Zillman, president of the University of Maine at Presque Isle, was present for a few games and expressed his support for the project.
“This is a great event put on for a worthy cause. It’s a lot of fun,” said Zillman.
Carolyn and Ted Roberts, of Presque Isle, were on hand to lend their support as well.
“It’s a nice way to have some fun and give back to the community. Kiwanis does a good job supporting worthwhile causes,” said Ted Roberts.
Asked whether the club would make this a regular event, Watson said “We’re definitely planning on it.”
“The committee hasn’t decided yet who will benefit from future events, but it will be a fundraiser for an organization or cause,” said Watson.
The auction included a wide range of items, from electronics to jewelry.
NIGHT OUT — 
Carolyn and Ted Roberts, of Presque Isle, spent the evening March 24 enjoying Vegas Fever festivities, hosted by the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club as a fundraiser for Homeless Services of Aroostook.
“We had TV’s, a 2012 Trek bike, diamonds, paintings, gift certificates from restaurants to golf, potato barrels, window boxes, casino games, electronics, spa baskets, pet baskets, a car bundle, food bundles, fishing bundles and more,” she said.
Organizers were pleased with the outcome. Watson said the gross receipts so far were approximately $7,000.
“We’re still getting expenses in. We raised about $700 with BINGO and the poker event raised approximately $3,000,” said Watson. “We’re still in the process of getting everything turned in.”
Club members are now making plans for the rest of the year.
“With our new year coming up fast, we have some ideas on the burner. Our Community Service Committee will be planning something very soon,” said Watson.
Watson said since the club didn’t hold the Home and Garden Show this year, leaving the organization’s Chili Challenge in limbo, other options are being considered, including working with other organizations to hold a cook-off.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
TOM FITZHERBERT 
was one of several individuals who donated their time to serve as dealer for one of several tables set up for Vegas Fever at the Shriners’ Building on the Houlton Road. The Presque Isle event, put on by the Kiwanis Club, was a well-attended fundraiser for Homeless Services of Aroostook.
“Ideas we’re considering are doing something with the Northern Maine Fair or Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce (combing the club’s chili with the chamber’s baked potatoes, for example). This is a possibility and something we’re working on,” she said.
Watson said Kiwanians appreciate all the support received for Vegas Fever.
“The club had such great support from the community; the donations and help was tremendous and much more than we ever expected,” said Watson.
