Gala to benefit mid-Hudson families of troops killed in Iraq

MONTICELLO, NY — Seventeen mid-Hudson families who lost loved ones in Iraq will receive all proceeds from a King and Queen Gala, slated for Sunday, September 30 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Monticello Gaming and Raceway. The event is sponsored by The Sullivan County Airport Festival, a not-for-profit 501c organization.

According to Ray McCarthy, organizer of the event, “the evening of games does not involve gambling.” Gaming tables and non-value gaming chips will be used for a number of games. The man and woman with the greatest number of chips at the end of the evening will be crowned King and Queen. The King and Queen will draw the first-, second- and third-place winners of raffle prizes totaling over $5,000 in gaming vouchers, donated by Bally’s for use at the gambling facility. Bally’s is also donating $20 in gaming vouchers to each of the first 125 guests to arrive at the fundraiser. An appetizer buffet and cash bar is included.

McCarthy, who operates the Café at Sullivan County Airport, was moved to do something meaningful for families who suffered losses during the war when he saw pictures of the fallen soldiers in an article in the local paper. “The whole idea is to let these families know that we’ll never forget the sacrifices their soldiers made for all of us,” he said.

Event organizers are looking for support from local businesses and associations, as well as for individual donors. Tickets start at $10, which includes 100 chips for the King and Queen Gala and one raffle ticket. Sponsorships range up to the $5,000 Red, White and Blue level. Those who give at this level receive 2,000 chips and 50 raffle tickets. The value of each raffle ticket is $10.

Tickets cost $100, but it’s not necessary to attend in order to contribute. Donations can be made S.C. Airport Festival, 65 Liberty Street. Monticello, New York 12701. Please include complete contact information. Checks mailed for tickets for the event must be received by Tuesday, September 25. Cash only will be taken for tickets purchased at the door at Monticello Gaming & Raceway, located on Route 17B in Monticello, N.Y.

For more information call 845/583-8100, ext. 305.