RSCC ‘flies’ residents and staff to Las Vegas

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) residents and staff dressed up in party clothes and ‘flew’ to Las Vegas for a casino party and happy hour on 25 March.

“Due to Covid-19, this was the first time in over two years that the residents from all six RSCC wings could attend a function together. They came in their numbers to enjoy the event,” says Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes Debbie Christen.

RSCC’s hall was transformed into a Las Vegas casino, with a black, red and gold colour scheme, and was decorated with large clusters of balloons, over-sized playing cards and big black and white dice. 

The tables were decorated with card pyramids; dice; poker chips; miniature balloons; and handbills advertising Las Vegas headliners Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones, whose songs were played during the event. 

The party menu consisted of sausage rolls, quiche, chocolate eclairs and vanilla cupcakes decorated with black and red playing card suites made from edible fondant. Residents were offered a choice of wine, sherry, Amarula Cream or non-alcoholic lemon ice-tea punch. 

RSCC’s Recreation Team opened the programme with a little dance routine, performed to Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York. Other featured songs included Elvis Presley’s Blue Suede Shoes and Dean Martin’s evergreen classic That’s Amore.

It was then time for the lucky draws and competitions. Every resident received a lucky lotto ticket and a playing card on arrival. A deck of playing cards went into a barrel and 10 cards were drawn and called, resulting in 10 lucky residents winning a prize, Debbie explains.

Next came the roulette spin, which resulted in another 12 other residents each winning a prize.  

The lucky lotto draw winners were Maureen Morrow (first prize), Herman Broschk (second prize) and Schalk Grobler (third prize).

The final event was the judging of the best-dressed competition. Selina Shiviri won best-dressed staff member, Chris Badenhorst took the prize for the most smartly-dressed gentleman, and Sarah Richards was the most glamourous lady.

Everyone had a lovely time and was happy to be able to enjoy nice food and drinks in the good company of others.

“The golden voices of the legendary singers brought back many treasured memories and everyone left ‘Las Vegas’ with a happy smile and a song in their heart,” says Debbie.

Everyone enjoyed Las Vegas! Back: Salina Mtshali, Debbie Christen, Selina Shiviri (best-dressed staff winner) and Evelyn Shilubane. Middle: Chris Badenhorst (most smartly-dressed gentleman), Sarah Richards (most glamourous lady). Front: Marlé Gräbe.

Evelyn Shilubane (back) with Zuki Nobembe and Maureen Morrow, who was the lucky lotto first prize winner.

Herman Broschk (lucky lotto second prize winner) with Evelyn Shilubane and Harold Baker.

Karen Mitchell, Hilda Mabaso and Sarah Richards, who won the prize for the most glamourous lady.

The beautiful tables.

The handbills.

Selina Shiviri (best-dressed staff prize) with Evelyn Shilubane.

RSCC’s Recreation Team, consisting of Salina Mtshali, Debbie Christen, Marlé Gräbe and Evelyn Shilubane, hosted the party.

Tinyiko Nkwinika, Evelyn Shilubane and Schalk Grobler, who was the lucky lotto third prize winner.