Willis Casino Night raises funds for school

About 200 people turn out for fundraising event.

  • By Pam Eubanks
  • | 6:44 p.m. March 16, 2018
  • East County
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Willis Elementary School teacher Diana Grigsby may not have played Black Jack before, but on March 16 she had her share of luck.

After getting a winning hand, dealer Carolyn Branco handed her a necklace of golden-colored beads.

“That makes you the golden girl,” she said.

Grigsby played the game with her husband, Tim, during Robert E. Willis Elementary School’s annual fundraiser, this year themed Casino Night, at the Polo Grill and Bar’s Fete Ballroom. About 200 people attended the event, which replaced the school’s traditional Gecko Gala.

“We wanted to pioneer a new event and mix it up a little,” event committee chairwoman Karen Jordan said.

Guests enjoyed games of Black Jack, craps and other casino games, socializing, a buffet-style dinner and a silent auction.

Event organizers Deb Hossenlop, Tracy Graziano, Christine Shaklik, Karen Jordan and Valerie Demino wanted to change up the annual event.
Event organizers Deb Hossenlop, Tracy Graziano, Christine Shaklik, Karen Jordan and Valerie Demino wanted to change up the annual event.
Principal Bill Stenger visits with attendees, including Parent-Teacher Organization President Bianca Lawrence.
Principal Bill Stenger visits with attendees, including Parent-Teacher Organization President Bianca Lawrence.
Proud Gecko parents Karen and John Cronen try their hands at Black Jack.
Proud Gecko parents Karen and John Cronen try their hands at Black Jack.
Tracey Demino, Andy Busby, Mike Shaklik and Dan Jordan try to win craps.
Tracey Demino, Andy Busby, Mike Shaklik and Dan Jordan try to win craps.
Debra Robertson mingles with Michela Baratta and her husband, Lucien Ducrey.
Debra Robertson mingles with Michela Baratta and her husband, Lucien Ducrey.
Dana Eddy, Bianca Lawrence, Denise West, Melissa Summerlee and Liz Johnson enjoy the evening together.
Dana Eddy, Bianca Lawrence, Denise West, Melissa Summerlee and Liz Johnson enjoy the evening together.
Willis teacher Diana Grigsby and her husband, Tim, are dealt by Carolyn Branco.
Willis teacher Diana Grigsby and her husband, Tim, are dealt by Carolyn Branco.
Elizabeth Besterman and Jennifer Danahy have their eyes on a specific silent auction item — a Greek dinner for six cooked by Willis counselor Phyllis Morales.
Elizabeth Besterman and Jennifer Danahy have their eyes on a specific silent auction item — a Greek dinner for six cooked by Willis counselor Phyllis Morales.
Michael and Schuyler Galliano check out the silent auction items.
Michael and Schuyler Galliano check out the silent auction items.

 

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