Pro athletes present at casino night to benefit kids

The Child Abuse Prevention Center in Orange was the big winner of a recent event as the Wives of Professional Athletes raised more than $55,000 for the center at its annual “Athletes and Aces” Casino Night benefit at the Island Hotel’s Palm Garden in Newport Beach.

On hand for the event were baseball players including Darin Erstad, Chuck Finley and Mickey Hatcher; football player Jim Everett; and Anaheim Ducks hockey players Chris Pronger and Sammy Pahlsson.

The event was chaired by San Francisco Giants’ pitcher Robb Nen and his wife, Jendy.

Guests had an opportunity to have their picture taken with the Stanley Cup, play Wii with their favorite athlete or join a Hold ‘Em tournament.

For more information on the Child Abuse Prevention Center, go to www.brightfutures4kids.org.

— Sue Thoensen