The second annual Jack in the Park Blackjack Tournament fundraiser took place in Winter Park, Florida this past week. The event was sponsored by Highwinds Network Group and more than $60,000 was raised for athletes of the Special Olympics in Florida.

Over five hundred people donated at least $75 to play the different casino games. Players could enjoy craps, blackjack and other Vegas style games. Each player who donated was given $1,000 in fake money to play at the tournament.

The vice president of fund development for the Special Olympics Florida, Matthew Levy stated that most people do not realize that the Special Athletes and family do not pay anything to attend. That fact makes donations most important.

A Gold Medal winner in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, Andy Miyares age 25, stated: “This beats Vegas by far!” His mother, Ana Maria Miyares, stated that “Life is a fairy tale. From a mother’s heart, thank you so much for being our heart.”

Levy also stated that the Special Olympics are very important because it gives the athletes the platform to experience accomplishment and gain a sense of pride. The Blackjack event was a success and many attendees were very generous.


- 2008-11-13