"GAME ON" for Non-Profits as Casino Nights are Back as Fundraisers.

Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance (SARTA) To Host First Casino Night Under New Law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance today announced that it will hold California's first legal "Casino Night" under the new law recently signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. AB 839 was sponsored by California State Assembly member Alberto Torrico (D-Dist. 20) to allow non-profit organizations to use "Casino Nights" for select fund-raising events.

"We know that technological advances are often a gamble, this gives our members a chance to have some fun and hedge their bets while helping us raise money for the development of technology firms in our area," said Oleg Kaganovich, CEO of SARTA. "We want to thank Assembly member Torrico and Governor Schwarzenegger for giving us the opportunity to play some cards, have some fun and raise some money."

The event is planned for early January, 2007, soon after the new law goes into effect.

SARTA's popular "Texas Hold-'Em" fundraiser was cancelled in August 2005 after concerns about the legality of poker-based events was raised in conversations with the California State Department of Justice.

About SARTA

The Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance (SARTA) is a tech-focused 501(c) (3) corporation that supports entrepreneurial programs, companies and technology investment throughout Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties.

SARTA's mission is to accelerate the growth and development of technology companies and the technology sector in the Sacramento region. Through its partners, SARTA connects and provides resources for the region's high-tech entrepreneurs, investors, business, non-profit, economic development and community leaders, supporting its goal to attract $1 billion in investment capital to the region. SARTA also provides high-tech entrepreneurs, executives, and other business and community leaders with connectivity and resources for growth, networking, and educational opportunities.

SARTA is directed by a 45-person board of directors composed of regional leaders of academic institutions, investment groups, business associations and technology corporations that seek to foster technology innovation and growth in the Northern California counties of El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba and Butte. For more information, go to www.sarta.org.