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ROAR’s 15th Annual James Bond Gala at The Sheraton Birmingham: A Casino Night for Cancer Research

  • 30 minutes ago
  • 5 min read

🎲 Key Takeaways


  • ROAR’s annual James Bond–themed casino night at the Sheraton Birmingham successfully combined black-tie elegance with meaningful fundraising for UAB Radiation Oncology research.

  • The event directly supports local cancer research, with physician donations matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of every guest’s contribution.

  • A charity casino gala format keeps guests engaged, increases participation, and creates an interactive environment that strengthens donor experience year after year.

  • The Sheraton Birmingham provided an upscale downtown venue that perfectly complemented the James Bond theme and casino night layout.

  • For nonprofits in Birmingham looking to host a successful annual fundraiser, a professionally executed casino night offers structure, entertainment, and measurable impact, all in one evening.



charity casino night

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the ballroom at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel transformed into a James Bond–inspired casino night filled with black-tie elegance, high energy, and a powerful purpose. The 15th Annual ROAR James Bond Gala brought together supporters, physicians, researchers, and community leaders for an evening that blended entertainment with impact, all in support of local cancer research.


For BAMA Casino Company, it was an honor to once again be part of a meaningful casino night that goes far beyond the games.




Who Is ROAR?



ROAR —Radiation Oncology Accelerated Research is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cancer research locally through the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Radiation Oncology. Funds raised through the annual gala directly support radiation oncology research programs at UAB.


One of the most powerful aspects of this charity is that physician donations are matched dollar for dollar, meaning the impact of every guest’s support is doubled. The funding stays right here in Birmingham and directly benefits research focused on improving cancer treatment outcomes.


You can learn more about ROAR and their mission here:


Organizations like ROAR choose to host a yearly casino night gala because it creates the perfect balance of fundraising and guest engagement. According to this article from BizBash on why casino nights work for fundraisers:


Casino-style events naturally encourage interaction, friendly competition, and longer guest participation — all of which increase fundraising success.



The James Bond Casino Night Experience


The 15th Annual ROAR James Bond Gala was designed as an upscale, Bond-inspired evening. Guests arrived dressed in black tie and glamorous attire, immediately stepping into a room that felt like a scene from Casino Royale.


BAMA Casino Company provided professional-grade casino tables including Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps, all staffed by experienced, engaging dealers who kept the games lively while ensuring guests felt comfortable, whether they were seasoned players or first-timers.


Our events are built on our signature tagline:

Not Real Gambling, But Real Fun!


That approach is especially important for a charity casino fundraiser. The goal isn’t gambling, it’s creating an immersive experience that keeps guests engaged and encourages generous giving. And the feedback speaks for itself.


We received incredible reviews from guests who attended the ROAR gala, including:


“The best and most fun event I have been to. Would recommend and can’t wait to see them again!”

“Had a great time with them, they make ‘gambling’ fun and exciting!”

For an annual fundraiser like this, guest experience matters. When attendees leave excited and already looking forward to next year, that’s a win for the organization.


If you’re curious why so many nonprofits choose casino galas as their signature event, here’s another helpful read from Eventbrite:


Check out this short video from the event:



A Special Touch: The Pink Blackjack Table for Cancer Awareness



One of the most meaningful details of the evening was our special pink blackjack table, set up in honor of cancer awareness.


While the James Bond theme brought elegance and sophistication to the ballroom at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, the pink table served as a visual reminder of why everyone was there in the first place.


It immediately stood out in the room, not just because of its color, but because of what it represented.


For a charity like ROAR that supports research through the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Radiation Oncology, details like this matter. When entertainment aligns with purpose, the experience feels intentional.


That pink blackjack table was a small but powerful reminder that this wasn’t just a casino night in Birmingham, it was a fundraiser helping advance better cancer treatments right here in our community.


Why Casino Nights Work So Well for Annual Charity Galas



For organizations like ROAR that host a yearly fundraiser, the format matters. A casino night:


  • Encourages guests to stay longer

  • Creates built-in entertainment without needing a stage program all night

  • Appeals to corporate sponsors and black-tie donors

  • Provides natural opportunities for social interaction

  • Aligns perfectly with elegant themes like James Bond



According to fundraising experts at OneCause, interactive fundraising formats increase guest participation and overall event satisfaction:


A James Bond casino night combines sophistication with fun — making it a perfect fit for a medical research charity that wants to attract professionals, donors, and community leaders in a polished but engaging way.




The Venue: Sheraton Birmingham Hotel


The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel is one of the premier event venues in downtown Birmingham. With expansive ballroom space and an upscale setting, it provides the perfect backdrop for a high-end charity casino gala.


Its central location makes it convenient for corporate sponsors, physicians, and guests traveling from across Alabama. The ballroom layout allowed for smooth casino table placement, open guest flow, and an atmosphere that felt both elegant and energetic.


Learn more about the venue here:



A Night That Blended Purpose and Entertainment



The ROAR James Bond Gala wasn’t just another casino party in Birmingham. It was a carefully promoted, highly anticipated annual fundraiser that began building momentum weeks in advance with consistent marketing and weekly updates.


By the time event night arrived, guests were ready.


They came dressed to impress. They played. They mingled. They supported research that could directly impact cancer treatment advancements right here in Birmingham.


Events like this remind us why we do what we do. When a casino night is structured properly, it becomes more than entertainment, it becomes a powerful fundraising engine.



Planning a Charity Casino Night in Birmingham?



If your organization is planning a casino fundraiser, corporate gala, or annual charity event in Birmingham, BAMA Casino Company is ready to help.


We provide professional casino tables, trained dealers, full event support, and scalable setups from intimate gatherings to large black-tie galas.


📍 Serving Birmingham, Alabama, and the Southeast

🎰 Corporate events, fundraisers, galas, private parties


Not Real Gambling, But Real Fun!




danny brewer

Danny Brewer, President and CEO of Feel The Beat Entertainment and owner of Huntsville Casino Parties, brings over 30 years of experience in entertainment. He oversees teams that specialize in premium casino entertainment and top-tier customer service. His ventures, including Feel The Beat Entertainment, BAMA Casino Company, and Cool Shots Photo Booth, cater to a diverse array of events from corporate to private parties. Renowned in the industry, Brewer is a speaker at trade shows and sets high standards for clients across various scales.




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