MHCC students hit the jackpot at Casino Night

The Associated Student Government’s (ASG) themed “Casino Night” attracted high-rolling students to a night of fun on Nov. 12.

Orchestrated and funded in its entirety by the ASG, the event started at 5:30 and went until 7:30 p.m., in the Student Union. About 50 people attended; admittance was free to Mt. Hood students, and $2 (or a donation of two food cans to Barney’s Pantry) for non-students.

The Student Union was decorated in black and red decor, with a card suit motif. The raffle, magician and catered food were on one side of the room, and the gambling tables on the other. The “casino” included two blackjack tables, a craps table, a roulette table, a high-low poker table and a standard poker table.

Five professional dealers worked the tables, and guests placed bets with a supply of chips received at registration. Though actual money was not in the mix, players could cash in $500 worth of chips for a ticket in the prize raffle at the end of the night. Throughout the night, the magician, Craig Martin, performed tricks for an audience gathered at his table.

Catering was covered by an MHCC hospitality department student, who prepared the themed food – including die-shaped gelatin and suit-shaped cookies – as a demonstration of her culinary skill.

The event was planned by ASG reception coordinator Nuvia Ramirez, and staffed by various members of the student council.

Beyond the food donations collected, Ramirez said the Casino Night “was just to let college students have a little fun.”