New York Islanders Work as Casino Dealers Raising Money for Children

The Islanders raised over $100,000 for a charity foundation during their second-annual Casino Night.

New York Islanders, the renowned NHL team, have held their second-annual Casino Night, raising money for the Islanders Children’s Foundation. The event took place at the Jericho Terrace, and just like last year was very successful with over $100,000 raised for the charitable cause.

The hockey team took off their sweaters and put on stylish black tuxedos in order to walk the red carpet with their wives and significant others. The play at green casino tables was carried out in full compliance with the American gambling laws, offering all proceedings to the foundation.

John Tavares, the Islanders captain, who also spent some time dealing blackjack, had the following comments: “People are having a good time and it’s a great event. It’s obviously a great cause and it’s nice for us to get away from the rink a little bit and enjoy some time with some big supporters of our team.”

The events of the night

The Islanders NHL team held a Casino Night for charity

• Players were employed as dealers in compliance with American gambling laws

• The event collected over $100,000 for the Charity Foundation

• Prizes, souvenirs, and memorabilia were among gifts and prizes available during the night

Besides playing craps and dealing cards, the hockey players interacted with the fans, mingles and chatted with the guests, as well as took pictures with their loyal supporters. Kyle Okposo was dealing cards at a blackjack table, while Anders Lee was throwing dice in craps, and Matt Martin tried to spin out his lucky number 17 at the roulette table.

American gambling news quoted Matt Martin: “It’s been a lot of fun. People are doing pretty well at my table. I’m telling people to bet on 17 and it’s come up a few times. We’ve raised a lot of money for the ICF and we’ve had a lot of fun with the fans.”

Guests not only spent money at the tables, but also got something in return. Everyone walked home with gift bags containing signed memorabilia and merchandise. There were also prizes to be won on the casino floor. Bobby Nystrom, and Mike Bossy, Islanders legends were also present and happily smiled for the cameras as well as signed autographs for whoever was interested.

Charity funds

All of the proceeds raised yesterday went to the children’s foundation, and the collected funds were sizeable indeed. The live auction, also held during the night, managed to raise over $40,000 where two main items were road trips with the ice-hockey team – each collecting $12,500 in bids.

George Mehr, had the following to say after winning a trip with the Islanders for next season: “It was an excellent, excellent affair. My wife, Lori and I had a great time playing games with the players. To win the trip – preferably to Pittsburgh – was a great cap on the night.”

There were a chance and a silent auction featuring other considerable prizes as well. They included autographed souvenirs, one-of-a-kind events with the ice-hockey players as well as a signed Tavares Stadium Series jersey. At the end of the night the team earned applause and honor for breaking the record in raising funds.

The Islanders Children’s Foundation was established to support Long Island-based non-profit organizations. They offer various opportunities to children and host a wide range of in-house youth programs. The foundation is primarily involved in working with various children’s charities whose main focus is health, education as well as youth hockey development.

More comments from the participants

The charity night was a lot of fun for everyone involved featuring music, drinks and of course raising funds for a very good cause. Fans and players together were wearing good-looking black attire making the night even more special. There were even talks of next year’s event.

The Community Relations Manager for the Islanders, Ann Rina, commented: “We had a tremendous night here. We raised a lot more money than we did the first time we hosted the event. It’s a good trend and we’re looking forward to next year to make it bigger and better.”

How did the team spend the night

If you think the Islanders were only having fun during the charity night, think again. The team was working hard to make the event into a fun occasion for everyone. Take a look at who was employed at what table during the Islanders Casino Night: