The Hayden Tiger Booster Club is shuffling the deck once again this year with its annual Casino Night Gala, a community celebration that combines fun, connection and support for local student-athletes. 

The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 8, in the exhibit hall at the Routt County Fairgrounds, with proceeds benefitting secondary athletic programs and the Chad Jones Memorial Scholarship.

For Danielle Campbell, a longtime supporter and former athletic director for the Hayden School District, the event represents more than a fundraiser — it’s a chance to bring people together for a cause rooted in community pride.

“I’ve been involved with the Hayden Tiger Booster Club off and on for the past 12 years, with five of those while serving as athletic director,” Campbell said. “Now, I’m excited to continue my involvement as a parent of Hayden Tiger athletes.”

Campbell said planning the event is a team effort, with volunteers helping coordinate logistics, promote ticket sales and secure donations for both the live and silent auctions. 

“We want the night to be successful but also a fun celebration of our athletic community,” she said.

Last year’s Casino Night was a hit, bringing new energy to the Booster Club’s annual fundraising efforts. The group, which has previously hosted comedians, hypnotists and dueling pianos during its marquee fundraiser, feels the casino theme offers a perfect mix of entertainment and social connection.

“This is only the second year we’ve hosted the Casino Night Gala, but it was such an incredible time last year that we knew we had to bring it back,” Campbell said. “Once everyone saw how much fun it was, the buzz really spread.”

Tickets are $55 and include dinner, a drink ticket and $200 in casino chips. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

All proceeds from the event go directly back into Hayden’s secondary athletic programs. The Booster Club funds equipment, uniforms, travel expenses and other needs that go beyond the regular school budget. Coaches can also submit funding requests, which the club reviews to ensure all teams and athletes have the resources they need to succeed.

“This event is our one and only big fundraiser for the year,” Campbell said. “The money raised allows us to support a wide range of needs for our athletes and programs.”

In addition to athletic support, Casino Night also funds the Chad Jones Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a graduating Hayden athlete.

The scholarship honors 1997 Hayden High School graduate Chad Jones, who was a state wrestling champion and longtime coach who passed away unexpectedly in 2018. Jones was known for his passion for youth sports and for mentoring athletes at every level.

“He had a huge passion for the sport of wrestling and gave so much time to the kids from pee wee all the way to high school,” Campbell said. “He not only supported the kids during wrestling but in all aspects of their lives and deeply cared for all of them.”

Past scholarship recipients have gone on to colleges and universities across the country. This year, the Booster Club has already received a $2,000 contribution to expand the fund, ensuring the program continues to grow.

Beyond the games and prizes, Campbell said the Gala highlights the community’s collective pride in its athletes. 

“Casino Night is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a true community celebration,” she said. “It brings together parents, teachers, staff and neighbors for an evening of fun, connection and support for our Hayden athletes.”

The Booster Club’s roots trace back to the 1990s, when a small group of parents began organizing to help Hayden athletics thrive. Though the faces have changed over the years, Campbell said the mission has stayed the same: to make sure every student-athlete feels supported.

“As our kids graduate, we hope newer parents continue that same mission, ensuring the Booster Club’s positive impact for generations to come,” she said.

Campbell hopes the Gala will continue to evolve and grow in the years to come, expanding its reach to include more parents, alumni and community members. She also envisions new ways to support students, from scholarships to team initiatives inspired by coaches and athletes themselves.

“We want people to leave Casino Night feeling the sense of community and support that makes Hayden so special,” Campbell said. “This event is about celebrating our students, our athletes and the people who make our school community strong.”

She said the club is especially grateful to the many sponsors and donors who have stepped up to contribute auction items from across the region and beyond. 

“We’ve even received donations from alumni living all over the country who still feel connected to Hayden,” Campbell said. “That says a lot about what this community means to people.”

The Hayden Tiger Booster Club Casino Night Gala begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/53dc2yx6.