ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Elmira hosted its annual Casino Night fundraiser Saturday, March 29. It was the first time the event was held at the LECOM Event Center.

"The way we were able to transform this arena to have this event is just magical to me, and I'm just thankful that everyone's here to support us," said LECOM student Yugisthir Chattergoon.

The night included casino games, dinner, and an auction. The proceeds from the event go to the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund and future doctors, according to LECOM.

"Every cent that we raise, every single cent, goes back to our students to offset the cost of their medical education, and LECOM is already among the least expensive medical schools in the country, but this offsets some of the burden of debt," said Dr. Richard Terry, DO. Dr. Terry is the Associate Dean of Medical Education at LECOM at Elmira.

Dr. Terry said he hopes the funds help students focus on their work instead of worrying about the financial burden of school. It's a gesture that students who receive the money from the fund say makes all the difference.

"I'm actually a type one diabetic, and these funds actually help me afford my medications and supplies that I need to survive on a day-to-day basis and make sure that I'm the best person I can be when I'm out serving the community, so it just means a lot to have their support," said LECOM student Brian Chegwidden.

School leaders say last year's Casino Night raised $200,000. That is just part of the $400,000 awarded to medical students at LECOM last year. Donors at the event had a chance to listen to students speak about their journey studying medicine. Students at Casino Night expressed their gratitude for the support.

"I'm truly grateful from the bottom of my heart to all the donors for contributing," said LECOM student Sharmila Chunduri, "It means a lot to us to know that people believe in us and support us."

Organizers said people can still donate online here.