With recent upgrades to Diamond Bar High School’s sports facilities,  the athletics department has set a new goal: an LED scoreboard for the football field.

Fundraising for the scoreboard began at Casino Night, held by DBHS’ Brahma Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed to raise funds for the school. Arranged by foundation members, the event was held at Embassy Suites in Brea. It included dinner, gaming chips for roulette, gift baskets, craps and twenty one tables. Entertainment was provided by DBHS’ rock band and jazz group.

This Casino Night was the first since 2010. At that time, it was a larger event and raised around $30,000, according to Yara Sands, Brahma Foundation president. Casino Night was once an annual event, but the size of the Brahma Foundation group has since decreased, causing the event to be put on hiatus until now.

Previous Casino Nights have been held at the Diamond Bar Center, Royal Vista Golf Course and Embassy Suites.

“My favorite thing about planning Casino Night was interacting with the community and businesses,” Sands said via email. “I like the way they are always willing to donate and help us raise funds for the school. It’s all about helping each other.”

Sands began working in the organization in 2012 and has helped raise money to donate track equipment, wrestling mats and soccer nets for the school.

Foundation members decided to raise funds for a new scoreboard last year, after several parents voiced complaints about the state of the current one.  

The organization plans to purchase an LED scoreboard with video features that can be used at several events during the school year. Spectators at football and soccer games can experience the match from a new perspective, while parents will be able to see a close-up view of their students receiving diplomas.

Along with Foundation Vice President Joanna Flores, Treasurer Lisa Kwan, DBHS Principal Reuben Jones, Athletics Director Albert Lim, music teacher Steve Acciani and USB Director Janna Van Horn, Sands helped sell tickets for the event.

“We couldn’t have made this night a success without their help,” Sands said.

As the Foundation’s largest fundraising event, Casino Night sold over 100 tickets, most  priced for $75. Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor and Diamond Bar Mayor Jimmy Lin, along with several school board members, were some of the many guests at the event.

Casino Night was the first step in fundraising for the board. It will take a few years to raise the approximate $200,000 needed for the scoreboard, but the organization plans to hold other fundraisers.

“When we are able to purchase those items and make it a better environment for the students, that gives us a sense of accomplishment,” Sands said