EVANSTON — Once again, the annual Evanston Youth Club Casino Night was a huge success, with 170 guests attending on Friday, Nov. 10. The highlight of the evening was a special recognition of Tim and Katie Beppler and a ribbon-cutting celebrating the new backyard at the Evanston Youth Club on 6th Street.

Youth club CEO Holly West said, “Throughout the years, the Bepplers have been instrumental in the success and growth of the Evanston Youth Club. Through their personal donations, as well as directing other resources to the youth club, two new buildings, new vehicles, and a food truck have been added to the youth club programs.”

The club relies on donations, grants, and fundraisers like Casino Night, to provide free programs and positive development opportunities for the youth club members.

Since it was dark and cold outside, West asked the Bepplers to come to the front near a photo of a large stone with their names inscribed on it. The stone is located in the new backyard addition. West and a guest held a long red ribbon in front of the Bepplers.

“In honor of the Bepplers’ continued dedication to the youth of Evanston, the Beppler Backyard is officially introduced and opened. The Backyard consists of a turf field, a hammock set with a fire pit, and a greenhouse. Hopefully, the project will include an outdoor theater system, gazebo and a barbecue in the future.”

The Bepplers cut the ribbon to a loud applause. The guests then enjoyed games of blackjack, craps, roulette and poker. Two tables of dinner food and snacks were available for guests as they played. Border Beverage provided a cash bar and donated proceeds back to the youth club.

With the entry fee, guests received one free drink ticket and $200 worth of poker chips with which to play at the game tables. At the end of the evening, guests exchanged their winnings for tickets they could use to win raffle items which included donated items such as a guided Elk hunt, Wyoming gift package, car detailing, Aspen Cinemas tickets for a large group and much more.

Keith Richins, who won the Aspen Cinemas tickets for a special showing for a group of 66 people, donated his prize to Horizon High School teachers Candi DeCoite and Cecilia Vehar, who were in attendance.

“Thanks to the evening’s 15 sponsors, our board members who worked the tables, and everyone who came,” West said. “The youth club profited over $14,000 from the event. All funds raised from Casino Night go directly to the youth in our community. We cannot thank the community, our sponsors and those who attended Casino Night enough for empowering our youth to reach their potential.”