'Gambling' for a good cause

Local gamblers have a chance to put it all on the Hartley Community Daycare Center this Saturday.

The facility is hosting the 4th Annual Love for the Daycare Fundraiser at the Hartley Community Center. While previous galas have featured music as the main entertainment draw, this year's event promises big wins on "Casino Night."

"We wanted to do something different this year that hasn't been done around here and something that would bring in a larger group of people," said daycare director Kaity Pedley. "We've had a lot of interest and we're expecting a great turnout."

Pedley noted visitors shouldn't expect the complete Las Vegas experience – all gaming on Saturday is purely for entertainment purposes to raise money for the daycare. No cash is actually being exchanged and there is no age limit required.

Still, Pedley said folks are excited to "gamble for a good cause." All money raised on Saturday will go toward future improvements at the daycare, which has received several updates over the past four years like a new playground, furniture and other aesthetic renovations.

Pedley said the daycare is currently in the process of renovating the kitchen. A pipe recently collapsed underneath the floor, making the drain and kitchen water unusable.

"It is a very large project which will require digging up the floor, laying new pipe and then remodeling the kitchen to make it functional," she explained. "We have been getting by with using paper products and doing quick meals and our laundry room to wash the few dishes we use, but it is not something we can sustain on long term. We are hoping to raise enough money to help offset these costs without having to raise rates for our center."

The facility is currently at capacity with 58 children and nine new babies starting in the next four months. Enrollment will open in June for an August start date for all rooms, as the daycare will see a large number of kids attending kindergarten or 4-year-old preschool to open some spots.

Pedley said the community's continued investment in the facility helps keep it viable.

"We are the only community run daycare center in Hartley that is registered with the state," she explained. "We are able to keep our rates so low with no charges for meals due to the support of the community and parents during our fundraisers like this."

Pedley looked forward to Saturday and was excited to bring Casino Night to Hartley. In addition to gaming, the event will feature a catered prime rib meal and a silent auction. Visit the daycare's Facebook page for more information about tickets.

"We are thankful for the continued support from the community. Without the support we receive we would not be able make the improvements we need to the center," Pedley said. "Our center is a very valuable asset to not only Hartley, but surrounding areas as well."