"Show me the money!" rang out loud and clear in downtown Winter Park Friday night, quickly followed by a "Yes!" as players rolled an eight before a seven on craps tables. They were eager to collect their money — "funny money," that is.

 

More than 500 people donated at least $75 to play craps, blackjack and other casino games in exchange for $1,000 in fake currency at the second annual Jack in the Park Blackjack Tournament fundraiser sponsored by Highwinds Network Group.

 

More than $60,000 in real money was raised for the athletes of Special Olympics Florida.

 

"This beats Vegas by far!" Andy Miyares, 25, a gold medal winner at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, told the audience during the fundraising program at the Winter Park Farmers Market.

 

Special Olympics costs nothing for "inspiring" athletes and family members to attend, which is something most people don't realize, said Matthew Levy, vice president of fund development for Special Olympics Florida. "That underscores the importance of donors and philanthropy."

 

Miyares' family, who drove up from Miami-Dade County, spoke to the crowd about the rewards of having a son with Down syndrome rise mentally and physically in the Special Olympics, growing from a scrawny little boy to a strong man.

 

"Life is a fairy tale," said Andy's mother, Ana Maria Miyares. "From a mother's heart, thank you so much for being our heart."

 

The night was full of surprises as the live auction and raffle announcements started.

 

Ricardo Miyares, Andy's older brother, auctioned off cruises, televisions and golf packages.

 

When the bidding for Club 23 Orlando went from $1,100 to $4,600 in a matter of minutes, Ricardo cried out in excitement, "Oh my God, I can't believe it."

 

Further surprising Ricardo was a man who won a four-day cruise trip for two in the raffle. He gave his prize back to Ricardo to be auctioned off.

 

This show of charity was evident in every arena of the event, including volunteers from Westgate Resorts Foundation working the silent auction tables.

 

Stephanie Cunningham, special projects and events manager for the foundation, said the bottom line is that volunteering is rewarding and fulfilling.

 

Part of the foundation is CareForce, a volunteer program designed to connect employees to their community. The Special Olympics is particularly dear to CareForce. Cunningham said, "We want to give back to the athletes who give so much of themselves."

 

Richard Mendola knows all about giving of himself. He has been an athlete for four years and currently holds a state record in power walking. He and four other athletes from the Athlete Input Council attended to get the word out about the Seminole County program.

 

Mendola said he wants to see the program go "further in accomplishment" so that more people in Seminole County will know about it and join.

 

Even in the midst of an economic crisis and with funding down for many non-profit organizations throughout Orange County, the Jack in the Park event doubled its size from last year's turnout.

 

The reason the Special Olympics program is so vital, Levy said, is that athletes are provided the platform to experience accomplishment and gain a sense of pride.

 

"That confidence transcends the playing field into all other areas of life."