Getting a high-roller view of Vegas

Las Vegas casino officials rolled out the red carpet for Glendale resident Gloria R. Marcale over New Year’s weekend.

She, her daughter Christina Marcale and son Emmanuel Marcale, both of Pasadena, were treated like stars, said Christina Marcale.

“My mom has Stage 4 cancer, and during our New Year’s visit to Las Vegas, several casinos showed they have hearts and gave her a VIP treatment we will never forget,” she said.

Her daughter contacted the hotels two weeks before their arrival to see if they might be able to do something special for her mother.

The Venetian/Palazzo president, vice president and directors met with Gloria Marcale, dedicated a slot machine to her, gave her free play and a special honorary membership. They treated all three to the stage production “Phantom of the Opera” and arranged a backstage meeting with the show’s star Anthony Crivello.

At the Mandalay Bay, the hotel’s vice president and directors scheduled an honorary ceremony for her presenting her with a plaque, upgraded her suite, gave her free play and gifts and access to the Foundation Room. They also ran her picture on the casino membership floor 24/7.

Caesars Palace officials arranged a tour and allowed the family to spend an hour in the famous Presidential Penthouse Villa, and the Tropicana provided free tickets to the Beatles show.

“That week, Dec. 28 to Jan. 2, was like a beautiful dream to us,” Christina Marcale said. “It is so refreshing to know that casino ‘big shots’ have big hearts.”

Gloria Marcale worked for the L.A. County’s Department of Public and Social Services office in Glendale. She is a member of Church of the Incarnation in Glendale and Holy Redeemer in Montrose.

Gloria Marcale has been coming to Vegas for 18 years, her daughter said.

“Other than helping clients, spending time with family and friends, another great enjoyment of hers is playing slot machines — which she calls her friends,” Christina Marcale said.