Area Catholic churches are readying for their annual “Fun at the Falcon” casino night fund raiser planned this year for Nov. 1 in the Dixie Wing Commemorative Air Force hangar at Falcon Field in Peachtree City. The hangar will be transformed into “Las Vegas Central.”

Three local Catholic parishes will join forces for the event — St. Matthew in Tyrone, Holy Trinity in Peachtree City and St. Mary Magdalene in East Coweta. The event is to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Last year’s proceeds provided more than $8,000 for each St. Vincent de Paul Conference and their outreach ministries to the poor and needy of the area.

This year’s chairperson is Tim Thomas of St. Mary Magdalene. Activities include casino activities, a live band, auctions, dancing, dinner and fun.

Dinner will be catered by Carrabba’s. International desserts will be offered by the Georgia Shrimp Co. and Rita’s, and Starbucks will provide the coffee. Adult beverages and soft drinks also will be available.

Tables for casino games will be manned by volunteer members of the Knights of Columbus from various parishes.

Peachtree Jazz Edition, an 18-piece band, offering classic jazz and music from the Big Band era, will provide music for dancing.

Auctions will feature a wide range of unusual gifts and prizes will be awarded.

Tickets are $50 per person and are available from Bill Hampton at St. Matthew’s, Sue Ford at Holy Trinity and Tim Thomas at St. Mary Magdalene.

Guests are encouraged to bring canned and staple foods which will be added to the food banks at the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

St. Vincent de Paul is an international society run by lay members of the three parishes. It provides funding, food, clothing and many other services to the needy of the community as a whole, not necessarily members of the parish. The society is aided by monthly collections in the parish itself. Currently, funds are usually depleted early in the month because of greatly increased calls for assistance and help.

“With the success of prior fund raisers, ‘Fun at the Falcon’ is by far the most rewarding and successful effort,” said Thomas. “This year, given the present economic situation, we need your support more than ever. It’s a fun evening but also one that contributes greatly to our ability to help others.”

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