John Theissen's Children Foundation, founded and run by local resident John Theissen, is hosting a Casino Night benefit again this year for its Back to School Program. The event was held last June and was a great success. The Back to School Program will help needy children from low-income families across Long Island by providing them with new clothes and new school supplies for the upcoming school year. Approximately 200 local children in kindergarten through high school will be provided with items. Each child will receive new clothes to wear, including everything from socks and underwear to shirts and pants and new shoes. The supplies will include, but are not limited to, backpacks, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens and other classroom necessities.

Back to school time can be difficult for many children whose families cannot afford new clothes or school supplies. Children should have a chance to attend school and feel good about themselves. Studies have shown that many children do not attend the first day of school because they are too embarrassed that they do not have new supplies and clothing. New clothes and school supplies are all significant items for a child who would otherwise go without.

The children will be given a profile page to fill out, which will include their name, age, sex, favorite color, clothing size, shoe size, what their preferences are as far as dresses or pants for girls and sportswear or plain clothes for boys. These children will be carefully selected through agencies and centers across Long Island. The distribution will take place in late August or early September before their first day of school.

In the past, the foundation has sponsored a few children, and through this Back to School Program, they are able to help many more. They plan to continue Casino Night as an annual event. The children who have been touched by the foundation's donations in the past have made them realize there is a greater need out there and they are hoping to provide those children in need with higher self-esteem as they begin their new school year.

Local residents can help in the effort by attending Casino Night Wednesday, June 2 at the Woodbury Country Club from 6 to 11 p.m. This year's event will also feature a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament and Night at the Races. In addition, residents can try their luck at dice, blackjack, slot machines, roulette and more while enjoying a gala buffet, music, dancing and open bar. Many prizes will also be offered, including trips, event tickets and more.

Residents are invited to sponsor one of the 15 gaming tables for various fees. Sponsorship will be noted by a sponsorship sign on the table, which will include two tickets to the event and recognition on the events brochure. Options are sponsoring a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament table, a roulette table, a dice table, a blackjack table, or a poker table, priced at $350 each. Residents can also sponsor a horse race for $350, and can even name the horses. An Event Platinum Sponsorship is available for $5,000 and includes 10 tickets to the event, name on a platinum sign and $2,000 in chips to play with. Sponsorships will be noted by a sponsorship sign and will include two tickets to the event. Journal ads are also available and must be submitted by May 21.

Ticket reservations are $65 prior to the event and $75 at the door. Ticket purchase includes $200 worth of chips. The charge for the Texas Hold 'Em Tournament is $50 to buy in by pre-registering (first 30 people) or $65 the night of the event. Residents are asked to RSVP by May 21. For more information and to reserve tickets, contact the John Theissen Children's Foundation at: JTCF, 1632 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793; phone 679-5098.