While lots of gambling took place last Saturday night at Denim and Dice, no money was lost because all of the proceeds benefited Jasper High School’s Jasper Jazz drill team.  This annual Casino Night, one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, took place in Plano at the JJ Corral barn at Fairview Farms on November 21.  Approximately 150 people attended the event and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and music, while playing casino games and bidding on auction and raffle items. 

This year’s event was spearheaded by Monica Mott, Casino Night Chairman and Beth Dwyer, Co-Chair.  “Denim and Dice could not have happened without the help of the Jazz Boosters who supported every aspect of the event from donations, publicity and volunteering.  It takes so many people to organize an event like Casino Night, and we had all of the details covered because of the involvement of the parents,” stated Jazz Boosters President Mary Swinton.

The crowd enjoyed blackjack, roulette, and other favorite casino games played with “Jazz bucks”, and the Texas hold ’em tournament was a highlight of the evening.  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Men’s Club ran the casino tables like pros while their proceeds support other charitable organizations.  

“The silent auction brought in many fabulous donations ranging from Stars tickets to beauty products, restaurant gift certificates, and even priceless handmade quilts. The live and silent auction exceeded fundraising expectations, and we are so grateful to our long list of sponsors.  This couldn't have been done without the support of our community!" according to Silent Auction Co-Chair Beth Dwyer.  The evening ended with the excitement of a live auction for a number of coveted items, to include “A Day with the Directors,” which sold for a record sum.  This special day is the top auction item each year.  Purchased by the highest bidding parent (or group of parents), up to four very lucky Jasper Jazz members get to spend the day with the Director and Assistant Director.  A typical day consists of lunch, shopping, manicures, and other fun activities.  The "papparazi" (AKA official Jazz photographers) will follow the group around all day to photograph this memorable event.  

Jen Morrow, Jasper Jazz Director reflected, "Casino Night is a huge fundraiser for the Jazz in that it helps raise money for our annual spring show in May.  Even though this fundraiser event is for adults only, the Jazz members make a huge contribution!  They were each responsible for bringing in a silent auction item and for providing a donated item for a priceless themed basket put together by their squad to also be auctioned off.  I not only was very proud of the girls, but also thankful for the outstanding casino night parent committee who pulled off such a great event!  We are on our way to an exciting spring show!"

The Jasper Jazz spring show will take place May 7 and 8, 2010, in the Jasper High School Auditorium.  Don't miss this sell-out production!

Photo Credits:

A Game of Craps Enjoyed at Denim and Dice

Blackjack Tables Draw a Crowd:  From left - Rachel Quiroga, Judy and Mike Davis, Sunni and Eddie Roaten, and BillDeraleau.

Casino Night Volunteers:  Back row from left - Joanna Daniels, Tanya Belmares, Monica Mott (Chairman), Marcia Laday, Rhonda Connolly, Melissa Fairley.  Front - Diane Goebel, Beth Dwyer (Co-Chair), Lori Moore, Mary Swinton, Jessica Midgley.

Raffle winners, Kevin and Jennifer Ruhman, Drew a Matching Card

Casino Dealers, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Men's Club 

Time for the Live Auction!  Assistant Director Kathy Conklin, Director Jen Morrow, and Emcee and Live Auctioneer Kendall Richards

Photos taken by Beth Dwyer 

Story by Diane Goebel