Crisis Center of Kilgore going Vegas style

You don't have to be James Bond to take part in highrolling casino action at "Las Vegas, Texas Style".

The Crisis Center of Kilgore is delivering a night of music, food, drinks - shaken not stirred - silent auction and, of course, a little Texas Hold 'Em.

Susie Prater, volunteer coordinator for the Crisis Center, said this is the largest fund-raiser the center has attempted. She hopes the community will get behind an organization that has served the East Texas community since 1984. "We are a non-profit agency that provides emergency and maintenance services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes," said Prater.

Prater said the center was founded by Gerdie Headen Stevenson in Kilgore and has expanded to serve the population of Gregg, Rusk, Harrison and Panola Counties with offices in Henderson, Marshall and Carthage as well as the parent

office in Kilgore. "We are able to provide medical advocacy and hospital accompaniment, legal advocacy and accompaniment, shelter, clothes, shoes, diapers and formula," said Prater. " We also provide support groups, children's programs and help victims apply for Crime Victim Compensation."

Prater said these services apply to "everyone - maybe your neighbor, co-worker or even a family member and we need the help of the community to keep East Texas served."

The Center's thrift store is a resource for the whole community and, when funds are available the center provides assistance for rent and utilities for people who need help in starting over.

Prater said the staff at the center is available to provide public education and awareness presentations to groups within Gregg, Rusk, Harrison and Panola counties. The June 17 fund-raiser will

be at he KRS Enterpress Aviation Center hanger at the East Texas Regional Airport. The evening will provide an evening of fun as well as goodwill.

"The Crisis Center passionately wants to continue to serve and defend the vulnerable in our communities but, with ever so many budget cuts we rely more on each person of the community and the businesses that make up our community," said Prater. "We hope East Texans will unite and stand with us and make this night a success for everyone in East Texas."

Prater said sponsors are needed, with four levels of support. "A platinum level for $1000 will get the sponsor 10 tickets to the event, name on a gaming table, premium placement of full table - with company logo -for dining and dancing, company name on poker chips for the evening's gaming fun and the company name on a banner outside welcoming everyone to the event," said Prater. "Patterson Chevrolet has already signed up for the platinum level."

Prater said the other three levels are: Gold, for $750, which gets six tickets, name on gaming table, placement on half table and company name on poker chips; silver, for $500, gets four tickets to the event, name on gaming table and placement of half table; and bronze which gets two tickets for $250.

All American Insurance has already signed up for the silver level.

"Besides sponsors, individuals can help by contacting Pamela Cameron at the Crisis Center at (903) 984-3019 to purchase your individual ticket for only $75," said Prater. "If you wait until the night of the event, tickets at the door will cost $100 so buy yours early."

Food will be provided by Cindy's Creative Cakes and Catering and music will be provided by the Brooze Brothers. "This will not be your typical buffet. There will be all sorts of kabobs, shrimp, drummettes

steamed in apricot sauce, stuffed mushrooms, pinwheels, dipped strawberries and assorted fresh fruit and many other appetizers," said Prater.

Prater said the cash bar will be provided by the Tyler St. Bar and Grill but non-alcoholic beverages will be included with the buffet.

The Center plans a silent auction but, Prater said, many more items are needed to make the evening a success.

"I hope all the businesses around East Texas will show their support and donate to keep the Crisis Center going," said Prater. "To donate call the above number and we will be glad to come and pick up the item," said Prater.

Prater said when each guest arrives at the hanger they will be treated to a guest basket which will have chips in it to allow everyone to have fun at the gaming tables and of course these tables are only for fun. "The party will last from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and there will be

enough gaming tables to accommodate 500 people," said Prater. "Tables will include Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Texas Hold 'Em Poker."

Prater said the Crisis Center provided 3908 'bed days' last year ... which means 249 women and children spent the night not in luxury but in safety. "When these families left, they did so with what the center could provide," said Prater. "Our staff held many a small hand and dried many tears."

Prater said the center offers a full time sexual assault advocate, family violence advocate and a client advocates.

"We served 295 non-residential clients and 1404 community assisted clients and distributed Christmas gifts to 151 children," said Prater. "We plan to keep helping as many as we can and hope you will help us do so by sharing your blessings when you can, leave a legacy of grateful hearts and the quiet knowledge that you helped someone carry on."