At 1800 hours today, Her Majesty’s Secret Service commands your presence at Applause’s annual fundraiser, benefitting the Breckenridge Music Festival. The Beaver Run Resort Conference Center will be transformed into the Casino Royale. This year’s party will be an evening of dancing, gambling, live entertainment, raffle, prizes, a live auction, delicious food, beer and wine.

Attendees will receive $200 in casino chips and compete to win prizes. An Elite Poker table is available for those who are seasoned gamblers. In addition to poker, there will be blackjack, roulette and craps to be played. Celebrity dealers include local favorites Ben Brewer, Robyn Brewer, Mark Burke, Pat Campbell, Millie Hammer, Elisabeth Lawrence, Robbins Manley, Gary Martinez, Carre Warner, John Warner, Chris Willard and the Breckenridge Music Festival maestro, Gerhardt Zimmermann.

Diamonds are forever

Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry of Breckenridge is providing a diamond for the lucky individual who wins a special event “Diamonds are Forever” drawing — all others will receive a brilliant cubic zirconium as their gift. Don Ghezzi, of Matheu’s, will evaluate each stone and determine the winner. The winner will be announced at the end of the evening.

The Shaken But Not Stirred Lounge will be serving martinis. The Breckenridge Distillery will provide the vodka. Beer and wine will be provided, and cocktails can be purchased.

Our lively guest entertainment will feature DJ Crisp, Breckenridge’s DJ extraordinaire. Mingling amongst the guests will be our lovely Bond Girls selling chances for the Annual Applause raffle. The prize this year is “From Hawaii with Love,” a seven-night stay at a one-bedroom, two-bath condo that sleeps four on the island of Kauai in Princeville, Hawaii, courtesy of Kim Stevenson. Included in the prize is $1,000 in cash for the winner to use for airfare, dining or whatever they choose. Raffle tickets are $20 each or three for $50. They will be offered for purchase at all Breckenridge Music Festival concerts and at various other venues. The winner will be drawn at the Casino Royale event. You do not need to be present to win.

The live auction is filled with travel packages, art, parties and special items for bidding. Delicious appetizers and munchies will be served during the evening. A special photo booth will allow guests to create a souvenir for the night. Dress code is Vegas style.

Call the Breckenridge Music Festival office at (970) 453-9142 or visit breckenridgemusicfestival.com for more information.