The San Francisco Nighthawks with the generous help of the San Francisco Chapter of the Elks Club BPOE#3 raised $2,000 for the 2008 WPSL Summer season at last Saturday night's Casino Party. The 'Hawks General Manager Jill Lounsbury was very excited about the event's success, "This helps us in a big way in getting closer to funding our season, and a fun way to make revenue!"

A surprise in the evening was highlighted when the Event MC Elk's Brian Criss introduced DJ Puffert, self-proclaimed "Globalista", who announced that a special branch of the Marin Nighthawks would match any donations made that evening. The matching funds will be added to the above mentioned $2000 proceeds. Puffert also proclaimed that the Marin investors were very interested in seeing the Nighthawks continue playing at the highest national level, providing great role models and performing quality charity work.

The Casino Night's festivities, hosted in the grand ballroom of the Post Street Elk's Lodge, included fabulous food from "Say Cheese" and "Cha Cha Cha's", the incredible music stylings of "The Monophonics" (recently voted best Bay Area Band) and Old School DJ: Gemini. The Nighthawks players, dressed in black and red formal attire, frolicked about the room keeping the party guests entertained. Also on hand were CSAN President Ric Olivas, GGWSL representative Craig Settles, and ex-Nighthawk King Dick Cross, now a member of the Elks.

"There is such energy and enthusiasm on this team that it can't help but continue to improve and be a destination for up and coming bright stars of soccer," Cross said as he placed more chips on the Blackjack table.

"Our goal was to double what we did last year, both with money, guests and fun...next year our goal is to double that again!!! I think without a doubt that is possible- but with the Nighthawks- ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE" GM Lounsbury said with a wink.