Schools Foundation Nets $22,000 at Casino Fundraiser

From the New haven Schools Foundation:

The New Haven Schools Foundation raised more than $22,000 at their 2^nd Annual Casino Night, "On a Mississippi Riverboat,” a fundraising event that drew an excited crowd to the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church on Feb. 2.  Event proceeds will help the New Haven Schools Foundation continue their support for students in the New Haven Unified School District.

The evening began with live performances by the James Logan Jazz Ensemble and Show Choir.  Guests were treated to the excellent taste of Southern style cuisine by Chef Tom Stevenin, of Catering by Tom with coffees and teas provided by Paddy’s Coffee.

A seriously fun poker tournament and other gaming tables were full of lively action all evening as guests vied for the opportunity to take home one of the three casino prizes: a 42-inch flat-screen television donated by Tri-CED Community Recycling, a Big Green Egg barbeque grill donated by Dale Hardware, and a Kindle HD Fire donated by New Haven Teachers Association and Best Buy.

The live auction, auctioneered by Hayward City Council Member Francisco Zermeño, generated spirited bidding that helped raise more than $4,400.  Live auction prizes included premium San Francisco Giants tickets donated by Ropers, Majeski, Kohn & Bentley; two round-trip airfares to Hawaii donated by Mango Tours; and a luxury suite at an Oakland A’s game donated by Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle. Silent auction items were many and varied and at the end of the enchanted evening, lucky guests came away with their desired items and prizes.  

Foundation President Cindy O’Brien thanks event sponsors OfficeMax of Union City, Too Much Fun Club, Inc., Washington Hospital, Blommer Chocolates, Mission Linens, the New Haven Teachers Association, Paddy’s Coffee House, and Tri-CED Community Recycling, as well as the New Haven Unified School District.  She extends a big thank you to James Logan High School’s Interact club, led by student organizer Nicolette Yee, for set-up duty, Boy Scout Venture Crew 186, led by New Haven teacher Kathy Mabie, for bussing and clean-up and T.G.I. Friday’s of Union City for donating two managers for our VIP servers. 

Mrs. O’Brien notes: “Without the dedication of Rebecca Venable and her planning committee, Charmaine Banther, Cheryl Kuhlmann, Eileen Riener, Bridget Russell, Vicki Ballard, Lisa Cogar, and Foundation Executive Director, Barbara Aro-Valle, this event would not be possible.”

As one guest remarked at the closing of the event, “This was so much fun, I look forward to next year.”  With that sentiment in mind, the Foundation wishes to thank everyone who attended for their support of this annual event.  We hope everyone will join us again next year!