On April 9, 2005, the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity hosted their annual ‘Casino Night,’ a philanthropic event which raises funds for cancer organizations such as the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston and the Leukemia Society, at the Wyndham Anatole hotel in the heart of downtown Dallas. This year marked the 35th annual event, which raised approximately $54,000.
“We have been planning the event since last June to make this year’s ‘Casino Night’ a huge success,” said Harrison Hughes, an SMU sophomore and one of this year’s co-chairs. The 2005 ‘Casino Night’ raised $30,000 for the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston and $4,000 for the Leukemia Society. Additionally, Phi Delta Theta granted SMU a $100,000 five-year endowment.
Phi Delta Theta’s new members worked relentlessly throughout the semester to sell tickets to fellow SMU students, and to raise awareness about the event. During the week, these men could be spotted selling tickets to peers outside of Hughes-Trigg. A large majority of the SMU student body attends ‘Casino Night’ to not only enjoy a fun-filled evening, but to support a worthy cause: cancer research. ‘Casino Night’ drew approximately 1,200 guests this year ranging from students, alumni, faculty, staff and parents.
The event featured 30 gambling tables with many guests gathered around playing traditional betting games such as Black Jack, Craps, Texas Hold ‘Em and Roulette. Partygoers competed for prizes ranging from flat screen televisions, DVD players and snowboards. A silent auction also took place where guests had the opportunity to bid on a week-long vacation to the beautiful Lake Tahoe. Students, parents and alumni enjoyed an entertaining evening highlighting the “Memphis Train Review,” a dynamic Motown group, which played for dancers throughout the evening.
Phi Delta Theta’s ‘Casino Night’ continues to be recognized annually as the largest Greek charity event on the SMU campus. The fraternity raises funds by contacting alumni for donations, and by selling tickets for $80 and reserved tables for $1,200.
“The entire pledgeship process during the spring semester is devoted to preparing for ‘Casino Night’,” said Hughes. Clearly, hosting an event as large as ‘Casino Night’ takes hard work and dedication. Hughes alongside Austin Hill, also an SMU sophomore, co-chaired the 2005 ‘Casino Night’ for Phi Delta Theta.
“We had a great time at the event and truly enjoyed donating to a worthy cause,” said Sherri Nestor, mother of sophomore, Ashley Nestor, who attended the event.
‘Casino Night,’ which ran from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., left many SMU students out late on Saturday evening, but as SMU sophomore Catherine Conley, said “The event was a blast and completely worth a late night!”
“The 2005 ‘Casino Night’ was a resounding success,” said Hill. “We will begin planning for next year’s event soon.” If you would like more information on how to donate to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center or the Leukemia Society, you can contact the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity on the SMU campus.
