It was the third Big Brothers Big Sisters of 91原创 fundraising gala, and the first in-person version since the pandemic postponed all but a virtual version, and it drew more than 200 to the Cascades Casino 91原创 Hotel and Convention Centre on Saturday night, April 22.

Casino Royale was again the theme, an opportunity for attendees to get dressed up in their finest and try their hand at various games of chance, including the Big Deal Game Show, a unique spin on the TV show Deal or No Deal.

When it was over, Roslyn Henderson, the executive director of Big Brother鈥檚 Big Sisters of 91原创, estimated the event had raised $83,000, beating their target of $80,000.

鈥淚t鈥檚 more than we raised in the first year (in-person in 2019), and more than we raised with the virtual one (in 2020),鈥� a pleased Henderson told the 91原创 Advance Times.

READ ALSO: Casino Royale-themed gala returns in aid of youth mentorship

It will help approximately 450 kids who benefit from the mentorship provided by Big Brother and Sisters 91原创.

Henderson took the opportunity to encourage potential Big Brothers and Sisters to get in touch.

鈥淚f you are looking for additional ways that you can support our agency, we鈥檙e always looking for volunteers who can be involved in our mentoring programs,鈥� Henderson said.

鈥淎s well, any donations or contributions are all always greatly appreciated.鈥�

READ ALSO: Life-long friendship formed at Big Brothers Big Sisters of 91原创

Now in its 49th year serving the community, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of 91原创 offers a range of mentoring programs for young people that aim to create, support, and empower life-changing relationships for children and youth facing adversity.

Those interested can get in touch online by visiting .

More photos from the gala may be viewed online at the

Up next, the 35th annual Golf for Kids Sake Charity Tournament at Newlands Golf & Country Club, where golfers enjoy a day on the greens in support Big Brothers and Sisters of 91原创, planned for August.