Casino Event Turns Village into 'Sauk Vegas' for a Night

Port Washington resident Pat Schmitt, left paralyzed after a motorcycle accident in 2006, is placing his bets on finding a cure with the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation.

Schmitt, with the help of his sister and friends, is hosting the first ever Sauk Vegas Casino Night on March 3 at the Saukville American Legion, with all the proceeds benefiting the Bryon Riesch foundation.

Schmitt said he feels strongly that there will be a cure for paralysis, but that isn't going to happen without support for such foundations.

"Without this type of event (to provide money for research) — there is no hope," he said.

Schmitt's sister, Katie Schmitt, ran a marathon in October to raise money for the cause, and also has been involved in other fundraising efforts. Shortly after Patrick's accident happened, a benefit was held to help raise money for his rehab.

But, this time, it's all about the cure.

The Schmitts became familiar with the Bryon Riesch Foundation after attending its annual Golf Outing, Dinner & Auction for Spinal Cord Injury Research and decided to coordinate this Casino Night to help raise more money.

Katie also connected with Melissa Bielinski, a close friend of the Schmitts, to work on organizing the fundraiser.

"I just thought it would be really fun to get involved and kind of do something in the community — it was interesting to me because so many peope know about Pat and (his story) … and obviously it’s a cause that I think is important because Pat’s a good friend of ours," Bielinski said.

Pat Schmitt broke his neck after losing control of his motorcycle in September 2006. He was the only person on his bike, and spent the next 45 days in a coma. He eventually woke up and spent some time in rehabilitation, but the neck injury left him unable to use his legs or his hands.

Despite his situation, Schmitt has no trouble smiling and taking a very positive outlook on life — though he is hopeful a cure could help him walk again some day.

The event runs from 6 p.m. until midnight on March 3, with gambling from 7 until 10 p.m. The cost is $25 per person, or $40 a couple, and includes $200 initial gambling money and appetizers.

The event will feature black jack, poker, roulette and craps tables, and there will also be a cash bar.

Gamblers will be able to use their leftover ticket "money" to enter raffles and drawings. Raffle prizes and silent auction items, including a flatscreen TV, KindleFire, Admirals tickets, Brewers tickets, a fishing boat charter, a year's supply of ice cream, autographed sports memorabilia and other gift certificates and merchandise from local restaurants and businesses.

For additional information about the event or to make a donation e-mail brpfbenefit@gmail.com or call 262-235-0040.