Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — For the philanthropist who doesn't mind kicking up a heel, slapping down a winning poker hand or figuring out whodunit, this weekend is for you.

There are three fundraising events benefiting Tread of Pioneers Museum, Steamboat Mental Health and Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide and the Healthcare Foundation for the Yampa Valley. Each event has a special twist to raise money for its organization.

Tread of Pioneers Museum's fifth annual Levi's and Lace Western Gala kicks off the weekend at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Marabou. The museum's signature event invites residents to dress up as pioneers to enjoy a night of horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and dancing, historical films, food and cocktails and a silent auction. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the museum.

Also on Friday night is the first annual Comedy Mystery Dinner being presented by a professional Utah acting troupe to benefit Steamboat Mental Health and Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide.

Lisa Foley, suicide prevention coordinator for Steamboat Mental Health, said the evening will include a three-course dinner and a chance for prizes in addition to participating in "Vinny Calzone's Wake," the name of the comedy mystery performance.

"The actors actually mingle and sit with the guests, so you'll get a chance to quiz them to figure out 'whodunit,'" she said Tuesday. "We're expecting it to be a lot of fun."

Event organizers hope to raise at least $7,500 to supplement a grant Steamboat Mental Health used to provide emergency services. The grant, which is not being administered this year, used to provide the organization about $20,000, she said.

"It's still very important to us to provide these services for our suicide prevention efforts in Routt County," she said.

The event is offered on two nights - at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Rex's American Grill & Bar. Tickets are $75 a night. Tickets are available through Steamboat Mental Health.

If mystery dinner isn't your style, than the Healthcare Foundation for the Yampa Valley's third annual Casino Night could be the answer.

Bonnie Bunker, special events coordinator for the Healthcare Foundation for the Yampa Valley, said the proceeds from Casino Night will go to the Yampa Valley Medical Center cardiology initiative to bring cardiology services to the area.

"Bringing these services to the Yampa Valley would mean people wouldn't have to travel for them," Bunker said Tuesday.

Participants are encouraged to dress using the theme "Hearts are Wild" - which fits with the cardiology initiative.

Casino Night begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort. The event is being put on by a professional casino company with poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and slot machines. Tickets are $75, which includes $50 in gaming money. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are included.

Bunker said there are 10 large prizes people can win at the end of the night.

"As you win during the night, you convert your winnings into prize tickets," she said.

Prizes include a spa package, jewelry and a vacation to Mexico. Tickets are available in advance or at the door, she said.