From Indy contributor Rebekah L. Cowell:

Listen up high rollers, times are a-changin’ in Chatham County. The County’s no longer dry and word has it the casino’s coming to town. Tonight, Bynum Front Porch hosts its second annual casino night, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Now before the righteous citizens of Pittsboro decide it’s time for an ole timey revival, remember that gambling funds go to help the county’s kids. All money raised will fund scholarships and programming for two nonprofit community organizations, the Bynum Front Porch,and Chatham Arts Council.

Last year’s funds helped send two local young people to college, says John Winecker, event organizer and Chatham County schoolteacher.

“We want to continue to help students achieve their goals of attending college and we also want to continue providing the family-friendly programming that Bynum Front Porch is known for,” he said.

“This is the only time gambling comes to the county,” said Luke “Lucky” Barrow, longtime Chatham County resident and Bynum Front Porch board member.

Barrow will host the second annual Casino Night, wearing a frilly tuxedo shirt and flashing his smoothest smile.

Last year, Bynum Front Porch entertained more than 300 high rollers with 24 gaming tables. This year, there will be 30-minute lessons on how to play craps, blackjack, roulette and poker. Get there at 6:30 p.m. for the lessons, but remember: The house always wins-unless the house is turning over the proceeds to the community, as is the case here.

“Dig out that old prom dress or wear overalls with a top-hat,” says Barrow. “This is Pittsboro, after all, and formal is what you make it!”

And if you weren’t already sold on the gambling and dress-up alone, there’s going to be fine home cooking, too. Pittsboro’s General Store Café will provide a buffet consisting of herb-roasted chicken, vegetarian pasta bake with seasonal vegetables and homemade sauce, local beef tips with gravy, roasted red potatoes with fresh herbs, organic garden salad, locally baked rolls and bite-size Ghirardelli brownies. A cash bar will also be serving up the booze.

That’s right, you can gamble for a good cause, have a mixed beverage and wear your overalls and top hat if you choose.

Bynum Front Porch is located in Chatham Mills, Pittsboro. Tickets are $30 and $50. For tickets and more information, visit www.bynumfrontporch.com.