Blackjack. Poker. Roulette. Crab racing.
All were on offer at the Nanny Cay Beach Bar on Saturday night as the Humane Society of the BVI hosted its annual Gaming Night.
Themed “Bowties and Diamonds,” the event encouraged attendees to dress to impress as they competed to win chips that they could trade for prizes.
Since its inception in the 1980s, the annual event has been one of the Humane Society’s cornerstone fundraisers.
Saturday was no exception, as the beach area in Nanny Cay was transformed into a lively gaming hub where casino tables were filled with enthusiastic players.
“This isn’t something I would normally do, but it’s quite fun to help out local charities,” said yacht chef Kristen Wells, who was new to the event.
Her friend Paige Sorenson, who was playing blackjack nearby, was having a similarly good time.
“We love the puppies!” Ms. Sorenson called out.
As the night went on, guests were entertained by local musicians including Jalena and Harella.
Near the entrance, dozens of prizes were displayed under a tent.
“What they do is exchange their chips for prizes,” explained Amanda McKenna, a board member for the Humane Society.
“And all the prizes are donated by local BVI businesses.”
The prize options ranged widely.
“Some companies give us a cash donation to buy prizes with; some companies will donate physical items for prizes,” she said, adding, “The vouchers might be gift vouchers for lunch, a day sail or a spa treatment.”
Els Kraakman, the project manager for the event, said the funds raised will be used in part to continue construction on the humane society’s new animal shelter in Josiahs Bay.
“We still need something like $200,000 to finish [the new shelter], and that’s mainly cages, the septic system and the outside fencing,” she said.
She was hoping the evening would bring in an additional $50,000.
Kemo Persaud, an administrator at the current animal shelter in Johnsons Ghut, was delighted at the event’s turnout.
“It’s really good. Amazing. Everybody’s dressed up, ready for this event,” he said.
Although not a gambler, Mr. Persaud admitted, “I’ll try the crab race: Seems like fun!”
He wasn’t alone. The crab races drew the largest cheers of the night.
“The only thing I have to ask you to do is make lots of noise, because this is supposed to be the most fun table in the whole place,” declared host Paul Cowlard as he prepared to release the crabs again in the middle of the table.
Then he lifted a red container and the crowd enthusiastically chanted for their chosen racer as the crustaceans scurried toward the edge of the table.
First-time attendee Helen Gunn was captivated by the event.
“I’m just excited about this crab game,” she said. “I’m just going to stick around it for a bit.”
Some of the crab races also featured an international twist, with participants counting down in different languages.
“I only came for the crab races,” laughed Yegâne Güley, who counted down in her native Turkish. “I don’t really know anything about gaming, so I only came to support the Humane Society, and the only gaming that I could do is the crab races, and they are the most fun of the whole evening. It’s a great cause!”