Mermaids host successful Lucky Siren’s Casino Night

The Mermaids of Canyon Lake’s Lucky Siren’s Casino Night on Saturday was a resounding success, reaching full capacity and transforming the Canyon Lake Senior Center into a vibrant “Lucky Siren’s Casino.”

The green-clad attendees played casino games ranging from poker to craps, as well as enjoying an Irish-themed buffet by The Urban Catering Co. with endless beverages and fun.

Door prizes, sponsored by Canyon Lake Insider, were won by Dennis Reams and Alexa McKee, with most game winners receiving $75.00 gift cards. The night’s game winners included Craig Duman (Craps), Mark Jones (Roulette), Kristen Marsh (Poker), and Chris Bronkar (Black Jack), with Chris generously donating his winnings back to the Mermaids of Canyon Lake.

The Mermaids of Canyon Lake’s Lucky Siren’s Casino Night participants play various poker table games and enjoy catered food at the Canyon Lake Senior Center to raise funds for the Mermaid’s philanthropic endeavors. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

With everyone dressed in festive St. Patrick’s Day attire, Kim Pauley was crowned as the Best Dressed Winner and received a $50.00 gift card.

Wayne Quintos of The Urban Catering Co catered the event, offering an array of delicious appetizers including corned beef tacos, beef sliders, and sausage rolls.

The event significantly surpassed the previous year’s success, selling out and welcoming many outside the Mermaids of Canyon Lake community. It raised over $7,800, with approximately $5,000 allocated towards the club’s philanthropic efforts—an increase of $2,000 from last year.

“I would like to give a special shout out to all my committee and volunteers along with our local sponsors for helping make this a very successful fundraiser,” Vice President Nicole Taylor said. “We went above and beyond what I even expected and loved seeing so many smiling faces throughout the evening. It was so much fun.”

She said the evening was made possible by the dedicated efforts of committee members Nicole Taylor, Nicole Verlinich, Natassia Wright, Kim Pauley, Gina Allen, Jeanne Gulley, Judith Bock, Laura Maturi, Lynette Rodriguez, Sonya Morgan, Nancy Martinez, and Cindy Gonzalez. Their hard work ensured a memorable atmosphere for all participants.

Also helping were volunteers Dana Buckley, Jaron Degen, Ela Degen, Norma Record, Jim Doherty, Scott Pauley, Amanda Gonzales, Brayden Robinson, and Sarah Dowler of Dowler Event Decor, who donated the centerpieces.