About 90 gamers and a crew of dealers, money changers, ticket sellers, and staff at the Ramada Plaza Hotel made the WI-UM Casino Night January 28th a huge success. Almost $1,800 was earned for the Kiwanis International project to help ELIMINATE maternal/neonatal tetanus (MNT) from the earth. This deadly disease steals the lives of 60,000 innocent babies and a significant number of women. The goal is to immunize more than 100 million mothers to protect their babies. Kiwanis International hopes to raise $110 million for this effort — the current worldwide service project for Kiwanis International.

Division 12 Lieutenant Governor Tonya Alling organized the night and had help from several others but she was credited by WI-UM Gov. Fred Dietze, who was on hand, with the success of the night. WI-UM Governor-Elect Lynn Messer was also on hand as was the WI-UM Foundation Chair, Michael Fitzpatrick.

Tonya said, “At a cost of $1.80 per person, with the money raised, nearly 1,000 women will be vaccinated against tetanus.” Attendees had the opportunity to try their luck at winning at blackjack, roulette, craps and other games. Each attendee was given play money for the night’s action and could purchase more to continue their playing. Snacks were provided, and the Ramada Plaza had a cash bar. Circle K students from Ripon College helped fetch drinks, and Key Club members from Fond du Lac High School and Horace Mann High School were available to run errands, sell more tickets, and assist during the evening.

WI-UM Executive Director Mark Finger also made an appearance, while members of several surrounding Kiwanis clubs helped make the evening a success.