“Elvis is in the Building!”
A Night in Old Las Vegas was held at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City on November 11, 2011, where Elvis was the main attraction. The Rat Pack’s charming Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin were also in attendance, and you may have even spotted Marilyn Monroe. The night was full of everything that Old Las Vegas had to offer.
A Night in Old Las Vegas was held as the biggest fundraiser of the year for United Way of LaPorte County. Bill Hanna, Executive Director of LaPorte County United Way, said “This is our annual campaign in our efforts of continuing to raise money. Old Las Vegas Night is our biggest fund raising event of 2011 and our goal for this year is to raise $1,002,011.”
Ted Bogich, Vice President and General Manager of Blue Chip Casino & Spa spoke of A Night in Old Las Vegas, saying, “This is the second time we’ve held this event. Last year it was ‘Old Hollywood’. Tonight, we have ‘Old Las Vegas’, featuring Elvis, showgirls, The Rat Pack, and all the food and drinks have been donated. Tonight is all about raising money for United Way LaPorte County.”
Bogich is also Vice Chairman with United Way of LaPorte County. He added, “It feels fabulous to be a part of this. We really value our partnership with Sullair. The money raised tonight will be used to support the more than 20 agencies and more than 30 programs to help those in need in LaPorte County.
He continued, “This night has turned into the Gala Event of the year in LaPorte County. This is for a great cause but when people leave here this evening we want them to say, ‘What a fabulous thing and I can’t wait to do it again’.”
Sullair, leading manufacturer of air compressors in Michigan City, was one of the main sponsors of the event. A volunteer with United Way and employee of Sullair, Shelley Kosakowski said, “I think it’s great to see all the people here. What a great event to raise money for a good cause. Sullair is the number one sponsor for United Way LaPorte County, and it’s a great feeling to be part of a company that supports a great cause.”
Fred McNulty, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the United Way of LaPorte County, spoke of the evening. “I think tonight is the opportunity to have a celebration for what we do. It’s a celebration. It’s a networking for business. It’s a fundraiser that benefits the agencies and the people we help in LaPorte County, and that’s a home run!”
He continued, “You cannot say enough about Sullair and Blue Chip for their commitment and dedication to their community and the support they give. They are just stellar and they do it for the right reasons, to help people, both are great corporate citizens.”
If A Night in Old Las Vegas sounds like an event you wish you hadn’t missed, save the date, because next year there will be more surprises promising to entertain you when you attend “A Night in Old Chicago” on November 9, 2012 at the Blue Chip Casino & Spa.
United Way of LaPorte County would like to say ‘thank you’ to all the many business and people that devoted their time, energy and resources to make A Night in Old Las Vegas happen. A special thank you goes out to the many sponsors, including: Sullair, Blue Chip Casino & Spa, IU Health LaPorte Hospital, LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Franciscan St. Anthony Health, and Indiana Beer.