Casino Night
Casino Night 2026 Update
What an incredible night!
Thanks to the amazing generosity of our community, Near West Recreation raised more than $5,000 at this year’s Casino Night. Every dollar will go directly to the Near West Recreation Champions Fund, helping ensure that all youth can participate in sports regardless of financial barriers.
We are truly grateful to everyone who helped make the evening possible.
To our dedicated volunteers — thank you for giving your time and energy to welcome families and keep the night running smoothly.
To our food and drink sponsors, Noble Beast Brewing and Tripi Italian Specialties, your support made the event even more special.
To our table sponsors — Ohio City Burrito, Jumpstart Sports Cleveland West, Horizon Education Centers, Councilman Kris Harsh, Zimmerman CPAs, and Patty & Steve Robert — thank you for investing in opportunities for neighborhood youth.
And to the many small businesses, organizations, and NWR families who donated raffle prizes and baskets, we deeply appreciate your partnership.
Because of you, more kids will be able to play, learn teamwork, and build confidence through sports. Your support strengthens our mission and our community, and we are honored to do this work together.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Casino Night and hope to celebrate with you again!
Casino Night 2026 - Saturday, February 7
Near West Recreation’s annual fundraiser is back! Please save the date for Saturday, February 7 from 6 -10 pm at St Wendelin Church Hall, 2281 Columbus Rd. All proceeds from Near West Recreation's Casino Night fundraiser will go towards Near West Recreation Champion's Fund (financials assistance fund) and ensure all our players can pay a fee that is affordable.
How can you support?
Purchase Tickets & Attend the Event
All tickets include food and drink (water, soda, beer, and wine). Poker chips are additional cost and can be purchased night of the event.
Early bird tickets are on sale now! Purchase tickets here.
Donate a raffle prize/gift basket
Do you own, work for, or have a special relationship with a small business? We are in need of raffle prizes/gift baskets ($30 - $100 range). Past prizes have included local business gift cards, tickets to games/shows, signed memorabilia, jewelry, beauty baskets, etc.
Sponsor the Event
Title Sponsor ($2500)
- Logo/Name placement on all event marketing material (banner, website, program, social media, etc.)
- 4 Complimentary Casino Night tickets
- NWR Team Sponsorship (sport of your choice)
Table Sponsor ($250)
- Logo/Name placement on one of the gaming tables, opportunities to place marketing giveways at tables
- Logo/name listed on program, website, and social media.
- A great way for small businesses to support local youth and market their business
Volunteer
We are looking for 10 volunteers that can help night of the event with set-up, check-in, "bank/poker chips", bar, and clean-up. There will be two shifts, 5:30 - 7:45 pm & 7:45 -10:15 pm. Volunteers will be able to attend Casino Night event for free prior to or after their volunteer shift.
Questions or interest in raffle prizes, sponsorships, or volunteering? Please email Keri at kpalma@ohicity.org
NWR Champions Fund
With the generous support of the Laureus Foundation, Gatorade, and Bleacher Report during the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend, Near West Recreation is proud to announce the creation of the Champion’s Fund.
Since 2012, Near West Recreation has been dedicated to serving the Near West Side of Cleveland, providing youth with opportunities to participate in sports leagues, camps, and clinics. To ensure accessibility, families have always had the option to pay what they can afford for registration fees.
On average, over 50% of our participants request financial assistance, resulting in an annual shortfall of $30,000 in registration fees. The Champion’s Fund will allow us to continue offering financial assistance to families in need without compromising the quality of our programs.
Make a Difference Today
If you’d like to support local youth and help us break down financial barriers, please consider contributing to the Champion’s Fund. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an impact.
