Plans are underway for Casino Night, a fundraiser benefiting A Forever Home Animal Rescue, scheduled for Nov. 7 in Leesburg, and the rescue is asking for help.

The evening will feature professional dealers, full-size casino tables, blackjack, poker, roulette and craps, along with auction baskets, bid items and prizes throughout the night. Guests can also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a cash bar while supporting the Eustis-based nonprofit.

Tickets are $50 per person and include gaming chips for the evening’s activities.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring the community together for a fun night out while raising money for the rescue’s ongoing efforts to care for homeless and abandoned animals throughout the region.

Founded as a no-kill rescue, A Forever Home Animal Rescue specializes primarily in small dogs and relies on volunteers, donations and community support to continue its work. Last year alone, the organization helped more than 200 dogs find permanent homes, with another 200 adoptions expected this year. 

Among those success stories is a dog named Choppa, who arrived to A Forever Home with another dog and struggled after his companion was adopted. 

Suffering from a severe skin infection and overlooked by potential adopters, he spent months waiting for a home. Then a Leesburg man named George, grieving the recent loss of his wife of 54 years, stopped by the rescue on a whim. The two bonded immediately.

“When Choppa came out, George’s face lit up and the sweet dog was prancing around with joy,” says Andrea Simmons, secretary of A Forever Home Animal Rescue. “After the adoption was approved, George told us he believed his late wife had sent Choppa to him.”

Stories like that are what organizers hope to support through the upcoming fundraiser.

“Rescue organizations like A Forever Home are essential because they protect vulnerable animals, support veterinary medicine, improve public health and create opportunities for pets to live safe, healthy and loving lives,” says Dr. Anne Valdes. “I work with pet rescues to help with advice, care and support.”

Casino Night is expected to include opportunities for guests to win prizes, bid on specialty items and learn more about the rescue’s mission and future plans. Net proceeds from the event will directly benefit A Forever Home Animal Rescue and its programs serving animals in need across the area.

How can you help? The rescue is selling tickets and asking for sponsorships. Visit aforeverhomeanimalrescue.org for more details.

Photos: Gina Horan and provided