Poker Chips and Vegas Fun, All in the Name of Hope 4 Hanna

Five San Clemente moms brought Las Vegas to on Saturday for a night of cocktails, poker, and “funny” money—all for the benefit of Hope 4 Hanna, a local non-profit aimed at supporting individuals and families that are afflicted with autism.

The inspiration for Hope 4 Hanna’s Casino Night: All In For Autism was sparked after local moms Shannon Munson, Nenuca Spaeth, Julie Wright, Monika Matson and Christine Joseph attended a similar Casino-themed event in early 2011. Ten months later and for $50 a ticket, San Clemente had its chance to indulge in some Vegas fun, all while supporting a condition that affects many people around the world.

About 150 card-playing enthusiasts gathered in the golf club’s Signature Room for high-stakes gambling and good times. Of course, with the $200 worth of “funny” money that came with the admission fee, throwing down the big bucks was a lot easier (and a lot less stressful) for attendees.

Presley Whidden was up and winning at her blackjack table with stacks of chips at her side. “Because a lot of us work full time during the day, it’s hard to find the time to be involved [in nonprofits]. A night like this allows us to feel like we’re making a difference,” Whidden said.

As for Whidden’s luck at the table, she said with a smile: “It’s easy to win when the money isn’t real!”

Josh Belden, co-founder of Hope 4 Hanna and the father of the organization's namesake, estimated that with ticket sales, silent auctioning, and other donations, the event should raise between $35,000-$40,000 to benefit other SoCal organizations such as Talk About Curing Autism and Autism Speaks.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Munson, while taking a break from attending to guests of the event. “Hope 4 Hanna has touched our hearts because there are so many people out there that need help ... we’re really just families helping families.”