Rotary Casino Night goes Denim and Diamonds

Rotary Casino Night goes Denim and Diamonds - A group of people sitting at a table - Girl

Raises Take Stock funds

Key West Rotary Club prides itself as being a volunteer club raising money for everything under the sun, but the annual casino night event is the one time when most of the members can just sit back with a glass of wine and shoot some dice and play some cards.

“We work our butts off all year,” said Casino Night organizer and co-chair Jessica Cranney, who will be found with a stack of chips in front of her at the black jack tables this weekend. “This is a stress free event.”

Last year’s Mardi Gras themed event raised $17,000 for Rotary scholarships. This year, the money raised will be going toward Take Stock in Children Monroe County scholarships. Cranney, who has been a Take Stock mentor for the past three years, is a big supporter of the nonprofit.

“All funds are matched by the state dollar for dollar,” said Take Stock Program Coordinator Chuck Licis. “So everything this raises will be doubled for scholarships for Key West and Monroe County students. We are very appreciative of Rotary for doing this.”

Professional level casino games like black jack, roulette, Texas Hold Em, and slot machines will be available for guests 18 years and older. The games are for entertainment only and all donations go to Rotary Club of Key West.

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The Second Annual Rotary Casino Night “Denim and Diamonds” will be held on Saturday, June 11 starting at 7 p.m. at Key West Marriott Beachside. Pre-purchased tickets are $75 (call 305-773-4016) or pay $100 at the door. This will also be the last evening to purchase a ticket to win a 2016 Nissan Altima or $10,000 cash. Limited tickets are available for $100 each.

Kristen Livengood is a Marathon High School and University of South Florida grad, mom of two beautiful little girls, and wife to some cute guy she met in a bar. She enjoys red wine, Tito's, Jameson, running (very, very slowly), and spearfishing.