Standing tall — San Benito Chamber of Commerce board members, including chamber director Alma Flores, second from the left, take a moment to pose for a photo during the sold-out 8th Annual San Benito Chamber of Commerce Casino Night. (Courtesy photo/San Benito Chamber of Commerce)
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito Chamber of Commerce celebrated a record-breaking evening at its 8th Annual Casino Night, held November 6, 2025, at the Oak Hill Event Center in San Benito.
The highly anticipated fundraiser completely sold out, welcoming more than 500 attendees, including local officials, business owners, sponsors, and community supporters from across the Rio Grande Valley.
According to Chamber Executive Director Alma Flores, Casino Night serves as one of the Chamber’s most vital annual fundraising events, helping sustain programs that support local businesses, promote economic development, and strengthen community engagement.
According to Flores, as a nonprofit organization, the Chamber relies on membership fees and fundraising events to cover operational costs, including staffing, rent, utilities, business workshops, mixers, and scholarship initiatives.
Alongside other major fundraisers, such as the annual Resaca City Bike Tour and El Sabor de San Benito, Casino Night ensures the Chamber can continue offering impactful programs throughout the year.
This year, the Chamber has four business workshop collaborations scheduled with First Community Bank, Texas Southmost College, Texas Regional Bank, and Benjamin Clinton.
Chamber Chairwoman Toni Crane said the committee was proud to see such strong community support and record-breaking attendance at this year’s event.
The evening embraced a lively Yellowstone-inspired Western theme, complete with decorated tables featuring floral-filled cowboy boots and rustic touches.
Guests arrived in hats, boots, and vibrant Western attire, filling the venue with festive energy.
A full casino floor with professional blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and craps tables added excitement, while attendees enjoyed a BBQ dinner, dessert, and two complimentary drinks.
Each ticket included $500 in gaming chips, which could be exchanged for raffle entries toward 15 high-quality raffle items, a drawing for a Louis Vuitton handbag, and a silent auction.
Distinguished guests included San Benito Mayor Ricardo “Rick” Guerra, San Benito City Manager Fred Sandoval, several commissioners, regional mayors, county and district judges, and state leaders.
Talented San Benito CISD student groups provided entertainment, the San Benito High School Jazz Band and Flamenco Guitar Ensemble, supported by the KSBG TV staff, whose professional audio and video production elevated the evening.
The Chamber recognized its dedicated Casino Night Committee, chaired by Albert Muñiz, with co-chairs Toni Crane, Linda De La Rosa, Mary Valdez, Luis D. Gonzales Jr., Isabel Boswell, Patty Avila, and Flores.
Additional directors and Chamber Ambassadors contributed to planning, decorating, and ensuring a smooth guest experience. Special acknowledgment was given to Mari Galvan for creating all event graphics, signage, and promotional materials.
Local leaders praised the event’s positive impact on the community as “A winning night in San Benito!” said Eric Flores. State Representative Janie Lopez added, “The energy, laughter, and great conversation made it a night to remember.”
With sold-out attendance, exceptional entertainment, and strong community support, this year’s Casino Night stands as one of the Chamber’s most successful fundraisers to date, according to Crane.
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