Gamble for free at Weber State University’s Clubs and Organizations Casino Night. Well, not for free: admission costs a can of food as a donation to the Weber Cares Food Pantry in exchange for the chips to use in activities.
This year, Casino Night will be in the Shepherd Union Ballroom A from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 9. Traditional casino-themed games and amenities like blackjack, poker and a “dirty” soda bar will be available to attendees.
Casino Night is a long-running WSU tradition meant to bring club members and students together for an evening of enjoyment, socialization and learning. The event encourages students to get involved on campus and create a fun environment highlighting the many societies and associations the school has to offer.
“It’s important to join clubs because you literally get to hang out and socialize with like-minded individuals that share same passions and interests,” Tara Peris-Caputo said, the director of student involvement.
With as many as 120 registered clubs and organizations representing the student population in academic, athletic and artistic spheres, the event offers a multitude of activities for students to participate in.
Small giveaway prizes will also be awarded throughout the night, with the opportunity for students to enter to win the grand prize or funding for their clubs during game play.
Casino Night is open to the student body, but anyone interested can attend and enjoy the friendly atmosphere with their peers.
“If a student wasn’t part of a club but wanted to come to Casino Night, they could. It’s not exclusive by any means,” Peris-Caputo said.
Additionally, in partnership with the Weber Cares Food Pantry, officials of the event want to draw attention to the subject of food scarcity among college students and to increase contributions.
According to the New York Times, roughly 30 percent of students attending community college and 20 percent of those at a four-year college experience food insecurity. In order to keep students at WSU on the path to finishing their degree and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the food pantry is always eager to accept donations.
“Serving the pantry and students on campus that are in need or have that food insecurity, I think, is the main thing to support Weber students,” Peris-Caputo said.
In addition to a variety of non-perishable foods, the pantry supplies personal hygienic products and other resources to students and faculty struggling to make ends meet.
“It is a great way for the pantry to receive the items they need and help clubs and orgs know that there is a pantry on campus that they can use,” Katherine Giddens, the clubs and organizations vice president, stated in an email.
The Food Pantry is located in room 402 in the Shepherd Union building and is open to any student with a valid WSU ID.
For more information or to get involved, visit the Weber Cares website at https://www.weber.edu/ccel/weber-cares.html or email [email protected].
