There are few activities more intergenerational than visiting casinos. Whether it’s a weekend in Las Vegas or a quick trip to one of the regional venues, the temptation of food, beverage, and gaming is more than many can resist.

But to dabble in some casino fun, one need look no further than Turnstone where their annual Casino Night is rapidly approaching. And this time, the indulgence comes at a reasonable price and benefits a worthy cause.

Turnstone, which last year celebrated its 75th anniversary, serves the disabled in our community with a wide range of programs and services. All ages are represented among those they serve with adult day services, memory care, child care, wellness and fitness facilities, pediatric and adult therapies, speech therapy and adaptive sports.

In all, Turnstone served 73 children ages 2-13 in their Kimbrough Early Learning Center, 133 adults with disabilities through their Adult Day Services and Memory Care programs, and 551 individuals in their Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities program.

Their adaptive sports programs include 11 competitive sports teams, and they are one of 14 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Sites.

All of this requires money, of course, and Casino Night — this year on March 9 — has become one of the popular ways that Turnstone raises funds.

Another Turnstone event, their annual Gala Night in June, also brings many supporters out, but Casino Night has its own special appeal.

“This is our 44th year for Casino Night, and it’s an event the community has grown to know and love,” said Haley Hoover, marketing and communication specialist for Turnstone Center.

“Over the years, the event has grown and evolved, and it’s been a really fun way for us to raise money. Our Gala is a big event, too, but that’s more formal. Casino Night is fun and casual. A lot of people have come to know about it and enjoy it. It’s become a big tradition, but we try to add something new every year.”

What remains the same is the chance to enjoy food and drinks. This year, Shigs N Pit, D-lightfuls, Cookie Cottage, Catablu, Skyline Chili, Valley Popcorn, and Rack & Helens will be among the food vendors. Mad Anthony’s, Country Heritage, Hop River Brewing Company, Granite City, Hartland Winery, AALCO, Antiqology, Conjure Coffee, and Cap N Cork will offer everything from wine and beer to coffee and craft sodas.

And there will be games a-plenty.

“People love the food and drink tastings,” Hoover said. “But of course they also love the casino games. We’ll have blackjack, roulette, bingo, and the crab races which were new last year and went over well. There will also be a silent auction and raffle baskets.”

The event, which is hosted at the Turnstone facility, drew 1,000 attendees last year, bringing in $100,000 for the organization. Tickets for general admission are $50 and include games, food, and drink tasting. The $100 VIP tickets also include early admission, a 50/50 raffle, preferred parking, one free drink ticket, and exclusive food samplings. Tickets must be purchased at Turnstone, 3320 N. Clinton St., or by phone at (260) 483-2100.