Annual Casino Night a BIG Benefit by Kelly Koehler - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Annual Casino Night a BIG Benefit

By Kelly Koehler, Community Writer
July 16, 2014 at 08:44am. Views: 59

On June 27, over 300 Inland Regional Center (IRC) consumers and families gathered for a night of glitz, glamour and community fun at the center’s 9th Annual Monte Carlo Night fundraiser. The casino-themed event raised nearly $1,000 in funds to support social outings, trainings and events for IRC’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC), a consumer-run advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. IRC’s CAC gives consumers age 16 and older monthly opportunities to “mix, mingle, be heard, and belong.” Funds raised at events like Monte Carlo Night support activities such as health and wellness trainings, “Coffee Talk” at Starbucks and participation at community events such as the Inland Empire 66ers Disability Awareness Night at San Manuel Stadium. The CAC was integral to the success of this year’s event. “Monte Carlo Night is a fun event that our advocacy group looks forward to year after year! We are grateful for the efforts of everyone involved to make it happen and can’t thank everyone enough for the funds raised to help the CAC,” said CAC President Ryan Nelson. Partner sponsorships were donated from Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), People’s Care, Molina Healthcare, In-Roads Creative Programs, and multiple IRC board members made monetary and/or prize donations for the event. Volunteers from IRC, the CAC, In-Roads Creative Programs and the Foothill Foxy Flyers Roller Derby Team transformed the IRC conference room into a real casino - complete with Rat-Pack music, centerpieces made from playing cards, slot machines, decked out dealers and faux neon signs over each gaming area. Attendees played Vegas-style games including Black Jack, Bingo, Roulette and the Wheel of Fun. They competed to win tickets for prizes such as glow-in-the-dark necklaces and a few lucky winners went home with raffles prizes such as amusement park tickets, movie passes, and more. Attendees enjoyed a themed photo booth where they could don silly props and put on their poker face for the camera. The keepsake photos served as a memorable memento for all of IRC’s guests.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 535

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 612

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 535

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 329

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 556

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 714

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 680

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 789

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 543

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 483

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 773

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 379

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->