By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Amy Wren
The Big Deal Casino Night-Unmask the Possibilities is the Philadelphia Junior League’s fourth annual gala.
When you think of Philadelphia’s most esteemed service organizations, undoubtedly the Junior League comes to mind. For almost a century, the Junior League has been making a positive impact in the Greater Philadelphia area. Over 950 volunteers have contributed more than 75,000 service hours annually.
To celebrate this female organization’s commitment to promoting voluntarism, the League is gearing up for its fourth annual winter gala. This year’s theme is The Big Deal Casino Night—Unmask the Possibilities. The evening is black tie optional, and the hundreds of anticipated party-goers are encouraged to accessorize in keeping with the Mardi Gras theme.
The Casino Night Committee has been hard at work planning an evening of excitement that includes a fabulous cocktail hour and gourmet dinner buffet, Las Vegas-style gambling, live and silent auctions, as well as plenty of drinks and fun to go around. Kerri Neil Storm, a committee co-chair, is carrying on a family legacy as her grandmother, Carolyn Sumner, was an original founder of a league chapter located outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. “Upholding the tradition of being a part of such a great organization, that does so much for women, is truly an honor. Our community outreach is so important to us and the gala really allows us to celebrate all the work of our volunteers and really have a wonderful, meaningful night. And, the Mardi-Gras theme is really fun to play up with the attire and masks and the swag bags,” enthused Storm.
The Junior League of Philadelphia is one of the leading community service organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area, with a diverse membership contributing a range of personal and professional experiences.
The night will include an impressive assortment of silent and live auction items and prizes for the lucky casino winners, including restaurant gift certificates, personal training sessions, wine tasting classes, overnight trips, and much more. Fellow co-chair Jackie Strzepek has organized the exciting live auction items, which will be auctioned off with the help of emcee (and former Philadelphia Eagle) Ike Reese. The larger ticket items include a piece of Judith Ripka jewelry, a golf vacation at Pinecrest Golf Club in North Carolina, an ABC news experience with WPVI’S Ali Gorman, and more. “I love the Mardi Gras theme, we really want everyone to embrace the attire and set the tone for one incredible night. From the craps and roulette table to the dining and dance floor, we are really excited for our guests to have an incredible time this year,” said Strzepek.
Big Deal Casino Night 2010: Unmask the Possibilities
What: The fourth annual gala for the Junior League of Philadelphia
When: Saturday, February 20th, 7 p.m.
Where: The Sheraton Society Hill Hotel, Philadelphia 1 Dock Street (2nd and Walnut Streets)
Special Rates: The Sheraton Society Hill is offering a special for gala attendees for only $129 for the night. Be sure to mention JLP when making your reservations.
Cost: Tickets are $125 and $175 (VIP)/available online and at the door
Attire: Black-tie optional, Mardi Gras-themed attire is strongly encouraged.
Emcee: Former Philadelphia Eagle and 610 WIP radio host Ike Reese
Event Details: Casino Night 2010 will feature live and silent auctions, a buffet dinner and dancing. The cocktail hour will run from 7-8 p.m.
Proceeds: A portion of the proceeds of the event will benefit the Junior League of Philadelphia’s Project Green: Using Nature to Nurture community projects, which focus on environmental health and wellness including: Campus Community Gardens, Green Volunteer Corps, and RESPECT Nature Club.
The Junior League of Philadelphia is one of the leading community service organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area, with a diverse membership contributing a range of personal and professional experiences. It offers tested and groundbreaking programs that focus on the intersection of wellness and the natural environment. Programs are developed to have maximum impact, using experts in the field and innovative partnerships.For more information, visit their website at www.jlphiladelphia.org
