Kiwanis rolls the dice for Valentine's Day

Three years ago, the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key made a bet that it could draw a crowd on Valentine’s Day to benefit local children’s charities and raise money for scholarships.

The group won that bet — it’s now preparing for its fourth Valentine’s Day dinner and dance.
But, this year, the Kiwanis Club is rolling the dice again with a new theme.

This year’s event is “Valentine’s in Las Vegas Dinner Dance & Casino Party,” presented by the Longboat Key Kiwanis Foundation and the Longboat Key Club, which is combining its annual Valentine’s Day celebration with the Kiwanis Club’s event.

After a sit-down dinner, attendees can test their luck at games such as black Jack, roulette, three-card poker and craps. Each attendee will receive approximately 15 chips and can purchase more throughout the evening.

Also new this year is music by the Las Vegas Express Band, which will perform “Rat Pack kind of fun, upbeat music,” according to Kiwanis Club member Bob Gault.

“The first years were big-band dances,” Gault said. “We just thought it would be fun to have a party that had a different theme.”

Participants will cash in chips around 10 p.m. for raffle tickets.

Prizes include a trip to Las Vegas, a Universal Orlando Resort VIP experience, a weekend golf stay at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, a six-course meal for 10 at the Lazy Lobster and a family photo session with Mary Lou Johnson.

Raffle tickets can also be purchased for $25 each or five for $100. A private “jetaway” to New Orleans, courtesy of licensed pilots Woody and Sue Wolverton, will also be auctioned.

“We felt that we wanted to make it a younger crowd and attract, perhaps, people who will be able to spend a little money, have a little fun and, at the same time, do some charitable outreach,” said John Wild, secretary of the Kiwanis Club.

Valentine’s in Las Vegas Dinner Dance & Casino Party
When: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14

Where: Longboat Key Club Harbourside Dining Room, 3100 Harbourside Drive

Tickets: $95; contact Jim Larson at 383-1660

Dress: Jackets for men, cocktail attire for women

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected]