Mansfield Cares’ Viva Las Mansfield brought out a crowd for gambling, socializing, food and fun at El Primo’s Mexican Grill & Cantina on July 24.

“Mansfield showed up and stood up for those in need,” said Suzy Herrmann, president of Mansfield Cares.

The Mansfield Cares fundraiser attracted approximately 120 people to raise money for local food pantries, Feed the Kids (which stuffs bags with food for kids in need during the summer) and shoes for students to be handed out at the Mansfield ISD’s Back to School Bash.

“I think it was a huge success,” Herrmann said. “We had so many people say it was so casual and so fun.”

The total amount raised is still being calculated, but organizers said the event was a financial and social success.

Viva Las Mansfield would not have been possible without the support of many sponsors and donors, who gave goods, services and funds to put on the event.

“We got great sponsorships and support from the community,” said Valorie Hague, logistics chairperson for Viva Las Mansfield. “I think everyone had a great time and the food was good. Everyone complimented the DJs and the acoustic guitar.”

The first-time event featured blackjack, craps, roulette, three card poker and a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament. Dr. Pat Collini won the poker tournament, taking home a $1,500 Henry Texas Tribute Golden Boy rifle (donated by Firearm Solutions), $500 and a trophy.

Other attendees gambled for chips, which they converted to raffle tickets to win prizes donated by local businesses.
Herrmann predicts that Mansfield Cares will hold the event again.

Viva Las Mansfield would not have been possible without the support of many sponsors and donors, who gave goods, services and funds to put on the event.