Again this year, close to 240 generous supporters planned to join us for Casino Night. This is our Annual Flagship Fundraising Event and we want to thank each and every one of our supporters, individual donors and corporate sponsors from the bottom of our hearts. For this event we had 80 Silent Auction items and 29 Raffle items and we raised $58k. Guests enjoyed an outstanding evening of delicious food, wonderful cakes, great drinks, professional gaming tables, bidding on silent auction items, selecting raffle items and buying 50/50 tickets.
This year’s Casino Night was dedicated to Steve McTeague from the Knight’s of Columbus.
We had a wonderful String Quartet this year, Ever Theme Music. Their names are Nori Stone – noristone126@gmail.com, Karina Starling – karina.starling@su.edu, and Signe Mortensen – Signe.mortensen.violin@gmail.com if you would like to book them for an event.
The Volunteer of the Year this year was given to 3 amazing men who support DC Candlelighters from behind the scenes: Jim Crossett, Warren Slaughter, and Stephen Connor. Betz Frank was also recognized for her outstanding support of DC Candlelighters. Ian McGowan was recognized for his efforts with the Gold Ribbon committee.
We are grateful to the Knights of Columbus who hosted our event, and the Knight of Columbus Red Coats, along with Rene Padilla, Kelly Holmes, and Rebecca Pettine who gave generously of their time to help ensure this event was a HUGE success.
The cakes were made by Debbie Aspromonte of Desserts by Debbie.
We have to acknowledge our wonderful volunteers for the event: Laura Tartaro-McGowan, Mistress of Ceremonies; Ian McGowan and Noah Teise at the Check-In Table; Jennings Glenn greeting guests and handing out Swag Bags; Molly Stevens and Ann Marie Warmenhoven-Tilias at the extra ticket table; Asia Watson and Kristen Furdyna assisting with Silent Auction Items; Jackie Trueblood, Jordan Pfannenbecker, and Michelle Slaughter selling 50/50 tickets.
We want to thank Always Fun Casino for supplying the amazing Casino Dealers that helped make the event so exciting.
We want to give a big “Shout Out” to Jack who won the 50/50 raffle and graciously donated his winnings of $962.50 back to DC Candlelighters.
The following people won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies and gift cards for earning the most funny money at the casino tables: 1st – Raymond H., 2nd – John G., and 3rd – Kenny G.
The use of the centerpieces was donated by Luxy Balloons.
We also want to thank Ted Showker from Silly Shotz Photobooth Company for donating his time to come out and provide the wonderful roaming Photo Booth. The pictures were outstanding.
We received donations for 5 Bereavement baskets at the event. You can continue to contribute to a Bereavement basket by visiting the DC Candlelighters donation page.
Pictures can be found here.
