This public fundraising event features gaming tables with blackjack, craps and roulette; jewelry raffles; gun raffles; chances to win an array of gift certificates; a silent auction of items donated by local businesses; a sit-down dinner; and music by a DJ later in the night.

Funds raised at Casino Royale at the Ritz are used for economic growth in the community and scholarships to Bay College West in Iron Mountain. This will be the 13th consecutive year in which almost 80 scholarships, valued at $35,000, have been awarded to area traditional and non-traditional college students.

This year, First National Bank & Trust is underwriting a special $1,000 Signature Scholarship for a student planning to attend Bay West, said Suzanne Larson, Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce executive director.

“Investing in our community is a First National Bank & Trust priority and by investing in our students, we are investing in the foundation of our community’s future,” said David Kashian, president and CEO of First National Bank & Trust.

RANGE BANK AGAIN will be the title sponsor of the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce’s Casino Royale at the Ritz event. From left are Jean O’Dette, First National Bank & Trust; Julie Olson, Grayson & Co. Jewelers; Kristine Schroeder, chamber; Benjamin Wood, community bank president, Range Bank; Suzanne Larson, chamber executive director; Jill Mondloch, chamber; and Teresa Schettler, Dickinson County Healthcare System.

“We are continually grateful to all of our scholarship sponsors over the years,” Larson said. “It’s the two greatest gifts that could be given: the gift of education and the gift of keeping it local.”

Larson also announced that Range Bank again has agreed to be the Title Sponsor of Casino Royale at the Ritz.

“I am proud to be involved with this excellent event once again,” said Benjamin Wood, Range Bank’s community bank president. “The chamber is a key supporter of businesses in our great community and Range Bank is honored to reciprocate that support as Title Sponsor of the Ritz.”

Ticket for the event can be purchased on the chamber’s website at www.dickinsonchamber.com. Price is $80 per person and also includes $100 in gaming fun money, plus a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000 cash.

For more information, go to the chamber’s website at dickinsonchamber.com or call 906-774-2002.