More than $115,000 was raised for the Cayman Food Bank at the second annual ‘Cayman Crypto Casino Night’, an event that brought together members of the Islands’ digital asset, blockchain and fintech sectors for an evening of entertainment, networking and philanthropy.
The event, held on 29 May at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, built on the success of its inaugural outing last year and drew about 200 guests from across Cayman’s professional community.
Organised by James Knox, Patrick Bourque, Naomi Law and Helen O’Sullivan, the event once again transformed the Westin’s ballroom into a casino-style experience, complete with professionally dealt blackjack, poker, roulette and craps tables.
On how this event started, James Knox said, “I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful people in Cayman, both professionally and personally. Throughout these contacts it became very evident that there are many … families in Cayman that need assistance with proper nutrition. I thought it would be a great idea to rally the local Caymanian digital asset/blockchain community to help support these families in need.”
Guests enjoyed an evening of friendly competition while supporting a cause that provides vital assistance to vulnerable individuals and families across the Cayman Islands. Proceeds from gaming chip purchases, sponsorships, donations and other fundraising activities supported the food bank’s work assisting individuals and families facing food insecurity across the Cayman Islands.
Organisers said the total included a private donation of US$45,000 made at the start of the evening. Combined with proceeds raised from sponsorships and during the event, the event generated more than $115,000 overall.
Event co-coordinator Patrick Bourque said, “The support we received from our sponsors was far-reaching. Several of our partners were repeat supporters from last year’s event, some contributed from overseas, and we had over $15,000 in prizes donated from the local business community for our 200 guests to win on the evening. This was a collaborative effort that will help to make our community stronger. We are forever grateful for the generosity of everyone involved.”
To build on the tech savviness of the local crypto community, a new online auction platform was introduced to add a separate element to the event. The online auction was available during the event, and then a second auction held post event, which allowed those who were too busy enjoying the event to take their time and peruse the items available at their own time.
On its website, Blockchain.com stated that it was proud to support this year’s event “by donating through an in-kind corporate donation of four Dallas Cowboys tickets to help raise funds for the Cayman Food Bank” and that the tickets donation came in at the highest bid during the evening.
Blockchain.com also said, “As food prices continue to rise, the work of the Cayman Food Bank is more important than ever.”
The fundraiser is becoming an established charitable event within Cayman’s digital asset community, with organisers indicating they hope to continue supporting local causes in the years ahead. Helen O’Sullivan said events like Crypto Casino Night reflect the best of Cayman’s digital asset industry – innovative, collaborative and deeply connected to the local community, adding that it was encouraging to see digital asset businesses support an important cause for Cayman families.
Cayman Food Bank
Cayman Food Bank Director Naomi Law said the funds raised at the event will support the local community through the purchase of food and critical supplies.
“With the local cost of living at an all-time high, everyone is feeling the pressures,” she said. “For those who don’t have a safety net, choosing between paying bills and buying groceries is a real thing that happens daily across our island.”
The Cayman Food Bank spends approximately $10,000 per month to purchase critical supplies and supplement the donated goods. As individual grocery bills increase, so do the costs for non-profit organisations like the Food Bank.
The event’s success reinforces the growing tradition of philanthropy within Cayman and establishes Crypto Casino Night as one of the digital asset community’s signature charitable events. Following another record-breaking year, organisers have already signaled their intention to continue building on the event’s momentum, with hopes of raising even more for Cayman Food Bank in the years ahead.
To learn more about Cayman Food Bank, visit www.caymanfoodbank.com or email [email protected]
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