The American Legion is holding a Casino Night this weekend to raise funds for Special Olympics Florida.

The event will be held from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the American Legion Post 323, 1124 Ashlar Ave.

“A lot of dignitaries will be there from the state of Florida, district commander, state officers and the state chaplain will be there,” said Deanna Hall of the American Legion, said. “It’s going to be a big event.”

The doors will open at 3 p.m. with Casino Night beginning at 4 p.m. Jessica Moore, the American Legion Southwestern Area commander, is spearheading the event.

Hall said Special Olympics Florida holds a special place in Moore’s heart, due to her daughter, Maddie, who passed away a few years ago, was a special needs child.

“It is very near and dear to her heart,” Hall said. “She has been doing this program for years. It’s a labor of love for Jessica.”

The event will feature such games as Texas Hold’em and blackjack tables. The event will also feature 50/50 raffles, gift baskets and silent auctions.

“They will come in and buy-in for their chips. If they win anything they will get prizes. All the money and funds will go directly to the Special Olympics,” Hall said.

The booth of gifts will include such prizes as gift cards and items from the community.

“Jessica has been working on this for six months. She has been tirelessly working on this,” Hall said.

Casino Night has had support from American Legion Districts 8 and 13, which includes DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee and Sarasota, as well as Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.

“We are happy to have it at Lehigh Acres,” Hall said.

Every year the American Legion hosts various events for Special Olympics Florida, with this year featuring Casino Night in hopes to raise money for the charitable organization, a great cause, she said.