PORT ANGELES – Pirate Casino Night, the Peninsula College athletic department’s signature fund raising event, has sold out.
The annual event, featuring a live auction, a silent auction, a comedy show, casino games, a full buffet dinner, and a desert dash, is set for 5:30, Feb. 17, at 7 Cedars Casino.
Last year’s event raised more than $20,000 for athletic scholarships and this year’s goal is $30,000, according to Athletic Development Coordinator Mitch Freeman, who organizes the Pirate Casino Night event with the help of Athletic Development Specialist Tim Tucker and the Pirate Athletic Association Advisory Board.
The comedy show features Susan Rice of Portland, Oregon. Rice has more than 30 years experience in stand-up comedy and is considered one of the top 20 female comedians in America. She has shared the stage with many popular comedians, including Jerry Seinfeld, Sam Kinison and Robin Williams.
“The comedy show has been a big part of this event and Susan will be our first female comedian to take the Club 7 stage for Casino Night,” said Rick Ross, Associate Dean for Athletics and Student Life. “The committee has done a great job selecting comedians for this event and I’m looking forward to Susan’s show.”
Radio KONP’s Scooter Chapman, one of the newest members of the Peninsula College Athletics Hall of Fame, will serve as master of ceremonies and former Pirate basketball standout and coach Danika (Goodwin) Johnson will share her story about how athletic scholarships contribute to the success of student athletes and the athletic program.
Another highlight is the live auction, featuring Tom Pasma of Auction House, one of the premier auctioneers in Northwest Washington. Live auction items include: A week’s stay at the beautiful resort at Kamaole Beach Club in Keihei, Maui; framed and autographed Russell Wilson and Ken Griffey Jr. jerseys; as well as a number of other dinner and golf packages.
“The PAA Advisory Board has put together a tremendous list of auction items for our supporters to bid on,” Ross said. “It just gets bigger and better every year.”
Event sponsors include 7 Cedars Casino, Wilder Auto, First Federal Bank, Peninsula Bottling Co., High Energy Metals, Windermere Real Estate, and State Farm Insurance.
“Jerry Allen and his team at 7 Cedars Casino really go all out for us on this event,” Ross said. “We’d have a tough time meeting our scholarship goals if it wasn’t for their year-round support. They are one of many local corporate sponsors and boosters who pave the way for our athletes and coaches to win championships and achieve their higher education goals.”