The event was a gamble, but the bet paid off Monday when the Selma Charity League was able to present checks to three separate charities.

Selma Charity League President Laura Beth Boyd and several league members presented checks to the Central Alabama Animal Shelter, the Christian Outreach Alliance Food Pantry and Easter Seals for $3,000 each.

The League raised funds at their first annual event Chips For Charity in which they filled the Old National Guard Armory with craps tables, poker chips and other casino games. Those who attended paid for admission, but once inside gambled with fake bills. Organizers for the event said the amount of participation exceeded their expectations, as more than 300 Selmians turned out to support local charities.

Boyd said they were thrilled with the results and outcome of the inaugural event.

“We were kind of nervous that it wouldn’t be as huge as a success that it was, but we couldn’t have asked for a better crowd,” Boyd said.

And as for the feedback from the community she said the event has received rave reviews, with some telling her it was the best charitable event in Selma they had ever attended.

Boyd said with that kind of response, the charity league hopes to duplicate the response next year, if not hope for something even better.

“The people who came said they loved it, and the people who didn’t come said they would come next year,” Boyd said.

The league asks all of their members to vote on several charities that they would like to see receive the funds, and Boyd said next year, there is a possibility different organizations would be included.

David White, an administrator for the local chapter of Easter Seals said he appreciated the fundraiser and the donation.