United Way Comes Out on Top at the 2014 Super Smoke Social

Ladies and gents gathered for a night of refinement and chic atmosphere at the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa. It was the annual Super Smoke Social; a fundraiser that benefits the United Way of La Porte County. This is a unique event, which is key in fundraising because it draws more people and makes for a more memorable occasion.

Funds from this event will help to support 32 local programs and initiatives like Kindergarten Countdown, 2-1-1, and the United Way's Volunteer Center.

"We are looking to raise money for a good cause and something that's near and dear to our hearts," Brian Black, the Food and Beverage Operations Manager for the Blue Chip Casino, said. "Being a Loaned Executive Officer I am working with the [United Way of La Porte County] as much as possible to raise awareness in the community to make sure that the needs that they have are known and that we at the Blue Chip can assist in any way we can."

Warm greetings were provided by the the Blue Chip staff as well as the other distributors in attendance as men donning smart suits and ladies dressed to the nines made their way into the private event. Cigar aficionado's were in their element as they sampled excellent cigars provided by Ashton Cigars Distributor's, Inc. Guests meandered about, chatting with each other, and they perused the items up for bid for the silent auction.

"This is a wonderful night for us at the United Way," Kris Pate, Executive Director for the United Way of La Porte County said. "People come from all over the place to this event. It's a packed house tonight. Sold out! The earning s from tonight's event come to the United Way. We're thankful to benefit from it. It's just a really a special night"

There was a live and silent auction where guests could bid on great items like: a Kinsale Ireland vacation, a California winery adventure, autographed photos, a Nascar driving experience for two, Chicago Cubs and White Sox tickets, and top shelf cigars and humidors from Savoy and Opus X, just to name a few. Raffles and games were played during dinner to keep the guests entertained as well as the live auction

A multi-course steak dinner was served and all stops were pulled out. Creamy mushroom bisque was the first course. Following was a BLT wedge salad with fresh vegetables and blue cheese. The main course was a 14oz New York Strip Steak with crab meat filled shrimp, a side of asparagus and au gratin potato. And to finish off, cheese cake with bourbon anglaise and raspberry coulis.

What made the dinner extra special was the addition of cigar pairings. Cigars were handed out at the beginning of dinner and menus were placed at finely set tables. These menus suggested which cigar would best compliment each dish.

"La Porte County is a wonderful place to live," Kesha Pate said to the crowd. "And you have all of these wonderful amenities like the Blue Chip and our school system, but there are still individuals who need out help. We have children who go to bed hungry at night, we have seniors who can't get their prescriptions, and the United Way is actively working to help those people. And the best way to help these people is by giving to the United Way campaign. For our business and the work that we do we feel that this is the best way that we can have a positive impact on the community."

Click here to find out more about the United Way of La Porte County, find them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter!

Coming up is another awesome event at the Blue Chip Casino: Blue Chip Brewfest! It's going on Saturday April 12 from12pm to 5pm. Click here to find our more!

Click here to see more photos!

Special thanks to the event sponsor: Sauers Auto Dealerships

More special thanks to: Southern Wine and Spiritsof America, Inc., Budweiser United Beverage Co., Republic National Distributing Company, Ashton Cigars Distributor's, Inc., Golden Leaf Cigars, Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa, NIPSCO, Jamie Wayne, Creavo, Ron Delhaye, Ahsek Media Limited