Gambling ship teams with animal rescue

Opus Casino Cruise Lines has teamed up with an animal rescue group to host the gambling ship’s first benefit.

The cruise line’s April 16 fundraiser will benefit Huntington's Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center, officials of Opus Casino and Little Shelter announced Tuesday on the Nautical Mile in Freeport, where the cruise line is based. The money raised will go toward maintaining and operating Little Shelter’s new, state-of-the-art surgical room, they said.

Freeport Village Trustee Robert T. Kennedy and Nassau Legis. David Denenberg (D-Merrick) also presented Opus officials at the news conference with two citations, including one “christening” the luxury three-deck gambling ship.

The fundraiser will be a special night of gaming, with boarding from 395 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport, starting at 6 p.m. and the ship setting sail at 7:15 p.m. The ship will return at 1:20 a.m.

The voyage includes a buffet dinner. Drinks are free as long as a person is actively gambling.
Boarding passes are $50. Opus Casino plans to donate all proceeds from the passes to Little Shelter. For more information, call 631-368-8770, ext. 205, or 631-462-6326.