GnashVegas Gala Ball Photo Gallery

Fans of the Nashville Predators got a rare chance to test their skills against their favorite hockey players Wednesday night—not on the ice but above it, as they faced off at blackjack and other games for a good cause at the Predators Foundation’s 2012 GnashVegas Casino Night and Auction. Held on the covered rink inside Bridgestone Arena, the annual fund-raiser featured a photo booth with Preds players, food from area restaurants, many items available for auction, and live music.

One highlight of the night was an impromptu duet of “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” with Predators forward Colin Wilson and Big Kenny of popular country music duo Big & Rich. The rendition earned the Predators Foundation a $1,000 donation from one of the 900 attendees. Big Kenny played auctioneer for a few of the premium items, selling a spot on a Florida road trip with the team for $9,000. Other auction items included autographed jerseys, photos and equipment; baskets reflecting the interests of various Preds players; country music memorabilia like a cowboy hat signed by Toby Keith and tickets to an upcoming Brad Paisley show with a meet & greet; and more.

All told, the event raised over $120,000 for the Predators Foundation, which has awarded more than $3 million in financial grants and donations since its 1998 inception. Last year, the foundation awarded its largest one-time allocation in its history, contributing over $325,000 to 116 charities. The Foundation has also provided in-kind donations, including memorabilia and tickets, to many organizations and fund-raising events.

The foundation’s next major fund-raiser is the 2012 Wine Festival & Tasting, scheduled for March 23. This event, which made its debut in 2006, brings in over 200 different types of higher end wines to the floor of Bridgestone Arena. For more information and to register, visit www.nashvillepredators.com/wine.