Viva Las Mansfield gambles for a good cause

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By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

Attendees gambled, ate, socialized and bid in live and silent auctions at Viva Las Mansfield on Saturday night.

The Mansfield Cares fundraiser attracted approximately 120 people to El Primo’s Mexican Grill & Cantina to raise money for local food pantries, Feed the Kids (which stuffs bags with food for kids in need during the summer) and shoes for students to be handed out at the Mansfield ISD’s Back to School Bash.

“I think it was a huge success,” said Suzy Herrmann, president of Mansfield Cares, a local non-profit that raises funds for Mansfield charities. “We had so many people say it was so casual and so fun.”

The total amount raised is still being calculated, but organizers said the event was a financial and social success.

“We got great sponsorships and support from the community,” said Valorie Hague, logistics chairperson for Viva Las Mansfield. “I think everyone had a great time and the food was good. Everyone complimented the DJs and the acoustic guitar.”

The first-time event featured blackjack, craps, roulette, three card poker and a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament. Dr. Pat Collini won the poker tournament, taking home a $1,500 Henry Texas Tribute Golden Boy rifle, $500 and a trophy.

Other attendees gambled for chips, which they converted to raffle tickets to win prizes.

Herrmann predicts that Mansfield Cares will hold the event again.

“Mansfield showed up and stood up for those in need,” she said.

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