Local community members, business leaders, and families gathered at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel Friday night for the Make-A-Wish Gala and Casino Night.

The event raised nearly $90,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Centre County, a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. All proceeds from the event support the wishes of local children.

Bellefonte Area Middle School raised $30,374 (the largest contribution from any school in Pennsylvania) for the cause from an all-night dance. (Click on gallery to the right for the photo.)

AccuWeather.com was the chief corporate sponsor of the event, and many other local and regional businesses were represented.

The evening began with a casino-themed cocktail reception featuring craps, roulette, poker and blackjack. During dinner, one of the Make-A-Wish kids announced the winners of the casino games.

Friday marked the seventh year for the Make-A-Wish gala.

StateCollege.com will post complete photo coverage of the event early next week.

Editor's Note: If you know a child who can benefit from a wish, please contact The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia.

Related Coverage

• StateCollege.com Charitable Events page