Magic City Casino donated $5,000 checks this week to two local South Florida charities, God’s Innocent Angels Foundation for Rett Syndrome and the Miami Rescue Mission.

“This time of year reminds us of the many blessings we have and how important it is to give back. As a family-owned local casino, Magic City Casino is always interested in supporting charitable organizations within our local community,” said Scott Savin, chief operating officer of Magic City Casino. “It is a joy to make these donations and to see the good these funds will do.”

A $5,000 check was presented to Teri Rios, communications manager, and Gisele Gonzalez, program director and mother of Gia Gonzalez, a child with Rett Syndrome. God’s Innocent Angels Foundation for Rett Syndrome was created to raise funds for a center to assist children with Rett Syndrome, a rare autism spectrum disorder, and their families.

A $5,000 check was also presented at the Miami Rescue Mission Central Office. The Miami Rescue Mission provides comprehensive services to the homeless and needy of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. During the fall season, the Miami Rescue Mission serves almost 1,200 hungry and homeless people each day. In the last fiscal year, the Miami Rescue Mission served over 725,000 meals and provided over 315,000 nights of emergency shelter.

Poker players raised $12,000 for the inaugural Add On for Autism poker tournament at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Oct. 26.

The tournament drew 76 players, who paid $150 entry and had re-buys.

The tournament was for Andra’s Hand Foundation, an organization whose mission is to increase knowledge and public awareness about Autism in South Florida.

Mark Zand and Dominic Granteed negotiated a chop for first place, which listed the prize as $10,000 and a $1,500 invitation to the World Poker Boot Camp.

Next were: Michael Castell, David Bell, Steve Wright, Jackie Zand, Paul Attie, Steve Sadaka, Hope Abel and Lorraine Krichmar.

David Bell knocked out Todd Brunson (pictured with Eric and Deborah Lazarus) to win a WPT Boot Camp invitation. Jackie Zand was the "last woman standing" and won gifts from the High Heels Poker Tour.

For additional information or sponsorships, contact Eric Lazarus at 954-410-0202 or at eric@andrashand.org .

Rooney’s Golf Foundation will feature its second annual charity poker tournament Saturday at the second floor poker room at the Palm Beach Kennel Club.

Proceeds benefit Autism Project of Palm Beach County, FAU Honors College, Pathways to Independence and Potentia Academy. The official sponsors are Preferred Air-Conditioning & Mechanical, Inc and 1ST United Bank.

The $50 entry includes a buffet, greyhound racing and prizes. The Texas Hold’em tournament will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the top prize is a 2012 WSOP Circuit Seat (worth $1,600). The top 10 percent will win cash and prizes. Registration begins at 5:30pm.

Non-playing participants can enjoy the buffet and greyhound races for $20. The event will also feature a silent auction for getaways, dinners, sports and event tickets and more.

Since 2001, Rooney’s Golf Foundation has donated over $250,000 to local charities through its annual golf tournament and poker tournament. The golf tournament is Oct. 27.

For more information or to participate as a player and/or sponsor, contact Alexis Barbish at 561-683-2222 x.146 or e-mail at AlexisB@PBKennelClub.com.

Studz Poker Club at Calder Casino & Race Course is hosting a charity tournament at 2 p.m. Sunday to benefit South Florida Recycled Dog Rescue, Inc.

The organization is a Florida not-for-profit "dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of South Florida's high-kill shelter dogs," the flyer says.

Buy-in is $60. Money from the tournament will go toward rescue and care of the dogs.

For more info on the charity, which serves Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, contact Kari Simeone at kari@sflcdr.com or 561-235-6356. More info on the poker tournament at SFLRdr.com.

Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida and Calder Casino & Race Course will be teaming up to present the Third Annual Horses and Hats Kentucky Derby Party, benefiting the therapeutic riding program.

Tickets for Horses and Hats, which are $50 per person, are available online at www.hhsfl.orghttp://www.hhsfl.org.

Beginning at 3 p.m. and lasting until 7 p.m., the Horses and Hats will provide guests with an opportunity to participate in a Derby Hat Contest, being held in conjunction with Calder.

Continue reading "Derby Day at Calder benefits Horses and the Handicapped" »

The Seminole Hard Rock & Casino in Hollywood is hosting its annual charity event for the Ann Storck Center on May 7 -- Kentucky Derby Day -- called "Rock The Race."

It's at 4 p.m. May 7 at Passions Nightclub. Entry is $50.

The day will feature mint juleps, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a large screen that displays the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Continue reading "Kentucky Derby Day benefit aids Ann Storck Center" »

Anthony Petruzzi of Boca Raton won a seat in the World Series of Poker by capturing first prize in the inaugural Allin4education tournament at BankAtlantic Center Tuesday.

Petruzzi, at left, with runner-up Jon Brown on the right, also has the option of taking the cash equivalent of a seat, which is $10,000.

The tournament was created to aid students trying to stay in area Jewish Day schools or return those who have left due to the economy.

The winners, and their prizes:
Anthony Petruzzi, Boca Raton, $10,000 or a seat in the World Series of Poker.

Jon Brown, West Hollywood, Calif, an iPAD

Jason Lisowy, Stuart, a four-day Carnival Cruise

Marty Scheck, North Miami Beach, an autographed 1972 Miami Dolphins Picture

Anthony Guthrie, Coral Springs, Miami Heat tickets and a limo ride to the game

Scott Goodman, Boca Raton, four clib level seats to Disney on Ice

Shawn Friedkin, Boca Raton, a seat in a tournament at the Isle Casino & Racing, via All In Free Poker.

Paul Poirier, Coral Springs, an outing at Bonaventure Golf Club

Gregg Weiss, Boca Raton, six tickets to a Florida Panthers game, plus a limo ride

Nahum Zak, Boca Raton, four Seaworld tickets

The tournament was a joint project between The “No Jewish Child Left Behind” Committee (The Jewish Educational Scholarship Fund) and The David Bensmihen Foundation.

There are two charity poker tournaments Tuesday night:

"All in 4 Education," a charity poker tournament, at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise. Tournament registration is available on-line at www.allin4education.com, $225 in advance and $250 at the door. Registration is at 6:15 p.m.; cards fly at 7 p.m. The tournament is a joint project between The “No Jewish Child Left Behind” Committee (The Jewish Educational Scholarship Fund) and The David Bensmihen Foundation.

In addition to the $10,000 WSOP seat, they've added: A $1,500 ocean view room, four-day cruise from Florida on Carnival Cruise Lines. Six Florida Panthers tickets, lower level, including round trip limousine service. Two Miami Heat tickets including round trip limousine service, an iPad, and four one-day passes to Sea World.

Meanwhile, the Brown- Forman Texas Hold'em Shootout Tournament Benefiting the Jason Taylor Foundation and A Message From Marli Foundation is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Smoke on the Water, 1630 Bell Tower Lane, Weston.

Jason Taylor, the former Dolphin who played last year for another team that I cannot name, and other celebrities play with about 60 other players for prizes and other gifts. There are a few seats available, and spectator admission is $25 for some goodies. Contact Michele at 954-217-1994.

The Wellington-based Tyler McLellan Foundation invites poker players and supporters of youth sports to the Tyler's Team Charity Poker Classic on March 27 at the Palm Beach Kennel Club.

The event also will feature a 50-50 raffle, silent auction and celebrity players and guests. Refreshments are served at noon, and play starts at 1 p.m. Buy-in is $50, with $20 re-buys.

The foundation was created after the 2008 death of McLellan, 15, who was accompanying a friend on an Angel Flight mission to Tampa, where she underwent cancer treatment. On the return trip, the plane struck an antenna and plunged into Tampa Bay. McLellan's family formed the foundation in their son's memory. The foundation, which raises funds for youth sports, seeks to remove obstacles that prevent South Florida's promising young athletes from reaching their full potential.

Registration is requested at the foundation's website, www.tylermclellanfoundation.org.

"All in 4 Education," a charity poker tournament, is March 22 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise.

Tournament registration is available on-line at www.allin4education.com, $225 in advance and $250 at the door. Registration is at 6:15 p.m.; cards fly at 7 p.m.

The tournament is a joint project between The “No Jewish Child Left Behind” Committee (The Jewish Educational Scholarship Fund) and The David Bensmihen Foundation.

The No Jewish Child Left Behind (NJCLB) Committee was founded in 2009 to assist families no longer able to provide their children with a Jewish day school education due to the economy.

The Bensmihen Foundation was founded in 2001 by Boca Raton businessman Joseph Bensmihen in his father's memory. Bensmihen, CEO and owner of Boca Home Care Inc., a home health care provider for Medicare beneficiaries, was born with cerebral palsy. He chose to create an education foundation because his father knew that education “would be my ace in the hole” in terms of over-coming physical disabilities, he said.

Since 2001, the Bensmihen Foundation has provided assistance of over $350,000 to students attending Florida Atlantic University, Hillel Day School of Boca Raton and Weinbaum Yeshiva High School. Others beneficiaries have included students at Hobe Sound Christian Academy and Yeshiva University in New York.

Magic City Casino is donating $15,000 to three local charities: Best Buddies, Neat Stuff and Community Partnership for Homeless.

Magic City Casino has been collecting funds for this donation throughout the past year.

“We all have the responsibility to help those that are less fortunate and contribute to the betterment of the community,” said Scott Savin, Chief Operating Officer of Magic City Casino, via a press release. “We are grateful for all that these organizations do for our local community and are happy to have the opportunity to contribute to their success and help them achieve new goals.”

Continue reading "Magic City Casino donates $15,000 to three charities" »

The inaugural Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi Charity Poker Tournament to benefit David Posnack Jewish Community Center’s Preschool/Special Needs Scholarship Fund is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The top award will be $10,000 or an entry into a World Series of Poker Tournament. Buy-in is $150.

There will be an optional re-buy structure for the first 90 minutes with re-buys of $25 and a $50 add-on.

“Each year, the David Posnack JCC raises scholarship dollars that provide financial assistance to families in need of preschool, special needs programming, after-school care and summer camp,” said Scott Ehrlich, executive director, David Posnack JCC, via a press release. “Mizrachi’s two children attend the JCC’s Singer Early Childhood Learning Center and we were thrilled to learn of his generosity in seeking to provide scholarship assistance to help those who need the JCC’s programs and services.”

Call the David Posnack JCC at 954-434-0499, ext. 311 or visit www.jccpoker.com .

The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park held its third annual "Holly Jolly" slot tournament, benefiting Marine Toys for Tots. Instead of customers qualifying for the slot tournament by accumulating enough points, the Isle switched it up for the holiday season and had customers bring in a new, unwrapped toy which will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Last year alone, the casino received enough gifts to fill two large pickup trucks.

Toys for Tots collects toys from October through December and delivers them by Dec. 25 to needy children in the community. The Toys for Tots foundation was founded in 1991 and has collected 81.3 million toys valued at $487 million to date.

This year’s tournament collected over 300 toys valued at $4,500. Four marines from the South Florida area attended the event and will take the collected toys to various homes of needy children from West Palm Beach to Kendall.

For more information about events and promotions happening at the Isle, visit www.theislepompanopark.com.

The Fresh Harvest Buffet, normally $18.95 at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek on Tuesdays, is available for $5 -- if you help a charity.

The casino's "Drive for Five" asks you to bring in five non-perishable food items. You get a $5 Fresh Harvest buffet restaurant dinner from 5-10 p.m. that evening. It's every Tuesday in November.

Donations will be delivered to Feeding South Florida.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is located at 5550 NW 40th Street, in Coconut Creek, Florida, just east of State Road 7 (U.S. 441) and north of Sample Road on 40th Street.

Call 954-977-6700 or visit www.seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com

For those with just a little gamble in them, the YMCA of Broward County is conducting a "Viva Las Vegas" casino party at 9 p.m. Nov. 20 at the LA. Lee YMCA Family Center, 408 NW 14th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale.

Individual tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. The Y also is seeking sponsors ranging from business card ($20) to "Royal Flush" ($5,000).

Patrons start with $300 in "casino cash" and use it on blackjack, craps, roulette, poker and slots. At the end, they receive tickets to place in a drawing for prizes, including two roundtrip tickets on Spirit Airlines, gift baskets for dinner on the town, home appliances, movie outings and car care. The drawing will be at 12:30 a.m.

For information call 954-467-2444.

The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is conducting a charity poker and slot tournament at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14.at the Mardi Gras Casino, 831 N. Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach.

The tournaments benefit the Chamber's Leadership Hollywood Program. The poker tournament has a first prize of $2,000 cash and $2,000 in bonus play. The slot tournament winner will take home $500 cash and $500 in bonus play.

Registration is $50 per slot player and $100 per poker player. Signup begins at 5 p.m .

For more information call 954-923-4000, ext. 17 or visit hollywoodchamber.org to download sponsorship information or to register.

The first of four qualifying tournaments to benefit a former Miami Dolphin's charity begins May 29 at Dania Jai-Alai.

The "Planting the Seed" charity poker tournament runs through June 29, and is guaranteeing at least one seat in the World Series of Poker Main Event.

It benefits Gardener's Kids, a charity created by former defensive tackle Daryl Gardener.

Gardner, who played for the Dolphins from 1996-2001, raises money to help children who have been abused. Those children's issues last a lifetime, even after they have outgrown the required aid from state agencies, he said.

"I can’t describe it to you. It just makes you want to flat-out cry," Gardener said. "You try to tell them everything’s all right. But I got to the point where I said I could do more. So I try to use my status as way to take care of thses kids after the system fails them."

The tournaments are at 6 p.m. May 29, June 6, June 12 and 19. Buy-in is $250. The top 25 percent from each day advance to the June 26 final at 6 p.m., and the top 50 get cash.

The fronton also will have $30 satellites running to get into the qualifying tournaments.

Gardener's organization also has a golf tournament set for June 5. Call 954-317-6541.

The second annual "Rock the Race" is from 4-7 p.m. Saturday at Passion Nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

It benefits the Ann Storck Center. Tickets are $50.

The event will feature mint juleps, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and large flat screen TVs that display the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Rock The Race will also feature a derby hat fashion show presented by the Fashion Design Department of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and a silent auction featuring original Ann Storck Center artwork and luxury gift packages. Guests may also bid on the designer hats from the fashion show.

Guests interested in purchasing a Derby style hat to wear to the event can receive discounts from the Center’s partners.

Visit www.annstorckcenter.org/derby for more information. For guests who come without a hat, create your own masterpiece with the onsite hat-making team.

For more information on the event or for sponsorship information, contact April Kirk at 954/584-8000 x349 or at akirk@ascfl.org or visit www.annstorckcenter.org/derby.

The Ann Storck Center neighborhood campus in Fort Lauderdale features a preschool for infants and toddlers up to five years old, a developmental training program, three family-like homes for children and adults with severe and/or multiple disabilities. The Center also operates five professionally staffed and equipped group homes in other local neighborhoods, including the Gizmo House, a high-tech “smart” single family home for six residents.

A charity poker tournament for the Hollywood Jaycees is set for 7 p.m. Saturday.

It's being run by the HighHeelsPokerTour (HHPT), the first all women’s poker tour launched on the East coast.

Buy-in is $60 and chips start at 5,000. It's at Hollywood Jaycee Hall, 2930 Hollywood Blvd. (SW corner of I-95 & Hollywood Blvd.)

There's a dealer add-on $10 for additional 1,000 chips, rebuys through third level: $20 - 2,000 units and an add-on after the third level of $20 for 3,000 units (limit one).

There will be a $20 eat & mingle for hors d’oeuvres along with a cash bar. There will also be a raffle for a scooter.

In addition to the poker tournament High Heels Poker Tour Academy will be having a mini academy for pre-registered guests that will teach basic poker skills and strategy in a hands-on setting. It costs $60.

The Junior Chamber of Commerce (also known as the Jaycees) is an organization of young men and women, ages 18 through 40. They focus on charitable involvement, social activities and developing business opportunities.

Visit http://www.hollywoodjaycees.org or call 954-309-3751 or go to www.highheelspokertour.com or contact tina@highheelspokertour.com.

Mardi Gras Casino's Big Easy poker room will conduct the High Heels & Boots tournament May 2 for charity.

It benefits Dress For Success Miami, part of an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, support and the career development tools, a press release says.

It's at 6:30 p.m. in the Big Easy Poker Room and pays $1,100 for first. Buy-in is $150 in advance, $180 at the door.

A poker refresher course offered by the High Heels Poker Tour Academy will be available at 5:30 p.m. for an additional $60. Hors d’oeuvres are between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Signup by Monday is encouraged. Call 305-444-1944 ext. 301 or e-mail Miami@dressforsuccess.org.

The Isle Casino & Racing is having a poker tournament to benefit Gilda's Club South Florida, a cancer support community.

It's at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Buy-in is $100.

$20 VIP tickets als are on sale, and cover two drinks and appetizers at the bar in Farradays..

More info at 1-877-ISLE-2WIN.

A poker tournament conducted by All In Free Poker & the Isle Casino raised more than $3,000 for O.J. McDuffie’s Catch 81 Foundation.

Celebrity NFL players included Troy Drayton, Don Silvestri, Lamar Thomas and KiJana Carter, All In leaders said.

The winners: Danny Diaz, Don Silvestri and All In Free Poker’s owner Bryan Oulton.

For more info on the Catch 81’s next fundraising event go to www.catch81foundation.org.

Olympic equestrian medalist Margie Engle and the Step by Step Foundation are hosting a casino night to benefit Haiti. It's at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Grand Prix Special Events Pavilion, 3426 Equestrian Club Road, West Palm Beach.

The night includes table games such as roulette, craps, three card poker, and blackjack, food and an art auction, and a silent auction.

Prizes and silent auction items include a Jonas Brothers signed guitar and photo, Miley Cyrus signed guitar and photo, Romero Britto art, Judith Ripka Jewelry, limited edition diamond-carot Invicta watches, art sculptures and equestrian merchandise.

General admission is $100. Buy-in for a Texas Hold 'em tournament is another $150, but there's good prizes, including a seven-night cruise for the winner.

Step by Step Foundation Founder and President Liliane Stransky said the organization has been trying to build an elementary school for years in Haiti, as well as provide education and clean water programs in the community.

"Now, with the devastation of the earthquake, we are also focusing on relief, and then the re-building of schools, health facilities, and communities," she said.

Register at www.stepbystepfoundation.com, call 561-793-5867 or contact Kathy Andersen at ka@developmentconnect.com, or 786-423-2191.

The Magic City Casino will host a racing and concert double-header on Sunday to benefit the relief efforts taking place in Haiti.

Greyhound racing starts at 12:15 p.m. and the 10-race card will be over by 3 p.m. A portion of wagering proceeds will be donated to the relief efforts, the casino says.

At 4 p.m., a seven-hour benefit concert with over 18 expected performers will begin. Concert organizers have pledged 100 percent of concert ticket sales will go toward Haitian relief efforts. The American Red Cross along with The International Rescue Committee will oversee the administration of the funds raised at the event, the casino says.

“Our personnel are excited to be hosting this program,” said Barbara Havenick, Chief Executive Officer of Magic City Casino. “We are turning logistical challenges into a positive way to contribute to the humanitarian efforts being made worldwide. When we were approached by the organizers of this event, our entire team committed to the success of the day.”

Sunday’s post time was moved up to 12:15 p.m., and the race card was shortened to 10 races.

Concert tickets can be purchased at www.magiccitycasino.com or by phone at 305-460-6579. Prices range from $20 to $30.

For more information and updates, visit www.magiccitycasino.com.

Cathy Reside, chief operating executive at Mardi Gras Casino (pictured at right), presented the American Red Cross with a check for $25,000 at a quick breakfast gathering. Mark Holmes, Board Chairman, and Alicia Laszewski, Broward County Chapter Executive & Regional Marketing Officer American Red Cross South Florida Region, were on hand to accept the donation.

Reside and Laszewski also did a quick video interview and I ran the raw footage of the gist of what they're saying. (I know, folks, I gotta up my video chops.)

A second check for $1,064.71, collected and donated by the employees of Mardi Gras Casino, was also given to the organization. The donations will benefit the International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Mardi Gras Casino continues to collect non-perishable goods that will be shipped to Haiti next week via Seafreight Agencies. Items may be dropped off at the casino’s valet station between 10:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. through Monday. The casino is at 831 N. Federal Highway on the corner of US-1 and Pembroke Road.

Non-perishable items needed include bottled water, evaporated milk, powdered milk, powdered baby formula, canned goods including meats, soups, beans, spaghettis, rice, flour, peanut butter, sugar, salt, cooking oil. Additional supplies needed are can openers, diapers, personal hygiene supplies, first aid kits, and disposables such as plates, cups, forks, knives, etc. For more information on how to donate supplies, call 954-924-3264.

Meanwhile, Dan Adkins called out the other casinos to match. To be fair, the Seminoles did write a check for $100,000 a few days ago.

Seminole Casinos around Florida unveiled a relief program for Haiti, according to a press release. They want to raise money through customer contributions and a guaranteed donation of $100,000 from Seminole Gaming.

Called “Seminole Haiti Relief Crank It Up,” the program encourages restaurant, retail and hotel customers at the casinos to round up their purchase amounts to the next dollar, with their change donated to helping Haiti’s earthquake victims, the release said.

"This is an easy way for guests to make a difference for the people in Haiti,” said Seminole Gaming CEO James Allen.

All of the money collected will go to support the Earthquake Relief Fund of Yéle Haiti, founded by musician Wyclef Jean. Yéle Haiti has been working on the ground in Haiti since the organization was founded in 2005.

“Seminole Haiti Relief Crank It Up” is collecting money in South Florida at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and at the original Seminole Casino Hollywood. Three other Seminole Casinos around Florida are also participating.

A second program to help the earthquake victims is being developed in cooperation with Food for the Poor and Volunteer Broward to encourage donations of canned food and other needed items at Seminole Casinos, the Seminoles said, and details will be announced soon.

When a poker player goes around asking for money, it's often to enter his next tournament.

But then, there aren't many poker players like John Bond of Dania Beach.

Bond, a South Florida regular who also writes for Card Player magazine, is trying to raise money to guarantee college tuition for a 1-year-old child "who is starting life with more disadvantages than you know."

Bond's word is good with me. His goal is to get $9,500 and cover the child's Florida Pre-Paid Tuition.

Continue reading "Poker player trying to raise tuition money for woman's 1-year-old" »

Gulfstream Park will host the Hallandale Beach Police Dept.’s Comedy Show at 8 p.m. Saturday.

The $50 admission fee includes hors d’oeuvres, served from 7-8 p.m.; a coupon for one free cocktail; $20 in free play at Gulfstream Park’s casino for all new Players’ Club enrollees; and registration to a raffle that includes a large flat-screen TV, according to a news release.

The show, featuring the Boston-based comedians Ken “Viper” Rogerson and Tony V, will benefit the Hallandale Beach Police Department's Police Athletic League and it will be staged on the second floor in the future home of the MI-VI nightclub. The venue was formerly known as the Sport of Kings.

Continue reading "Gulfstream comedy benefit to help PAL" »

The Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation says Isle Casino Pompano Park has raised $13,215 toward building The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, the nation’s first permanent memorial honoring disabled veterans.

According to a press release, the money was raised during daily poker tournaments at the casino from Oct. 9- Nov. 11. Poker players at the Isle gave a $5 donation to the Foundation to buy 500 extra poker chips.

Groundbreaking on the Washington D.C. Memorial is scheduled for spring 2010. The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial will be located on a two-acre site adjacent to the National Mall and U.S. Capitol.

The Foundation has secured 90 percent of the funds needed to begin construction. With the final phase of the fundraising campaign now kicking into gear, another $4 million must still be raised.

To make a contribution to The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, or for more information, visit www.avdlm.org.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek will hold its first Fresh Harvest Food Drive every Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. in November.

The casino’s Fresh Harvest restaurant is offering dinner for $5 to guests who bring at least five canned or non-perishable food items such as bread, cereal, juice and juice boxes, peanut butter and jelly.

The donated food will be collected and distributed by Feed South Florida, a non-profit organization originally formed as the Daily Bread Food Bank in 1981. Its mission is to feed the needy and educate and engage the community to fight hunger and poverty locally. A fire recently destroyed its Broward warehouse and it relocated to 2501 SW 32 Terrace, in Pembroke Park but since then, more than 3,000 meals have been donated to help replenish what was lost due to smoke and fumes.

Susan Wise, the morning DJ on LITE 101.5 FM, also will be at the casino during the food drive, according to a Coconut Creek news release.

More than 200 walkers gathered for the Steps for Life walk Saturday at the Isle Casino & Racing.

The benefit for Gilda's Club of South Florida raised almost $5,000, and is one of several events the Isle's parent company has been a part of at its casinos across the country this month.

For more info, go to www.gildasclubsouthflorida.org.

Isle Casino Pompano Park will host Steps For Life, a 3-mile walk to benefit Gilda’s Club of South Florida on Saturday.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.; the walk begins at 9 a.m.

A $25 registration fee includes breakfast, T-shirt, keychain and stuffed Sparkle dog (a Gilda's Club staple).

Walkers may bring their dogs along to participate. To register, visit the Isle at 1800 SW Third St., or go to www.gildasclubsouthflorida.org.

Continue reading "3-mile walk at the Isle benefits Gilda's Club" »

United Way of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties are the beneficiaries of a one-night cruise Nov. 29-30 on Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Oasis of the Seas.

United Way gets the profits from the sale of the cabins plus gets a cut from the ship’s casino profits for the night.. The casino, called "Casino Royale," has 450 slot machines, 27 table games (including blackjack, roulette and craps) and a poker room.

Staterooms and sponsorships from $1,000 to $100,000. (But if you offered more, I bet they'd take it.)

Contact Tamara Klingler, United Way of Miami-Dade, (305) 646-7120, klingler@unitedwaymiami.org; Michael Maucker, United Way of Broward, (954) 462-4850 ext. 118, mmaucker@unitedwaybroward.org or Fran Folic, Bitner Goodman, (954) 730-7730, ext. 117, fran@bitnergoodman.com

Continue reading "Gamble on a cruise, help out United Way" »

A casino night Thursday will raise money for an 11-year-old Boca Raton girl who needs medical help.

The girl, Jessie Robinson, has a disease called NF (Neurofibromatosis) type 1, which means doctors have found tumors growing around her optic nerves, according to casino night promoters. She will go blind if she cannot get help, they said.

She is hoping to get treatment with a specialist in Boston and the family is trying to raise money.

Mike Henry, a co-owner of Gatsby’s Boca Raton will host a casino night, at 8 p.m. July 30. Cocktails begin an hour earlier.

Tickets at the door are $30 and include one drink, food and 50 chips to play blackjack, craps, roulette and slots with.

At the end of the night, you convert your chips into raffle tickets and try to win prizes.

Casino Party Nights Florida Inc. is the host (954-926-4219).

Contributions are also encouraged at any Washington Mutual Bank c/o Katya Robinson and The Benevolent Fund of Jessie Robinson (Account No. 3184417159).

The third annual poker tournament to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County will be at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Hollywood Beach Marriott in Hollywood, Florida (on A1A, south of Johnson Street).

The event is in memory of past board member and friend to youth, Dennis Sutton.

Cost is $200. Spectator tickets are $25.The grand prize is a seat at the World Series of Poker – a $10,000 value; award eligibility based on a 150 player minimum – or win a $5,000 Visa Card. Second place receives a diamond tennis bracelet.

For more information or to register, call 954-537-1010 or email Matt Organ, MOrgan@bgcbc.org or Megan Johansen, MJohansen@bgcbc.org.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County helps young people improve their lives by building self-esteem and developing values and skills during their critical period of growth, according to a press release. It serves more than 13,000 at-risk youth, ages 7-18 each year from its 13 Broward County-area clubs. The website is www.bgcbc.org.

Hooters girls will wash your car at the Hard Rock, and if you're a fan of the tight orange shorts and tank tops, they've upgraded (!?).

They'll wear bikinis.

It's for a good cause. A really good cause. Senior Troop Chief Thomas J. Valentine, a platoon leader for an elite Special Warfare Navy SEAL unit, was killed in a parachute jump on Feb. 14, 2007. He left behind his wife, Christina, who has worked for Hooters for 15 years, and two young children.

A man named Valentine dying on Feb. 14 ...

The car wash is from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Seminole Paradise Parking lot adjacent to Hooters. It's technically free, but a $20 donation is encouraged.

There's also a “Take a Toss at the Boss,” Bruce Earle, Hooters Hollywood general manager, who will take on your water-balloon toss if you donate $5.

For more information, call the Seminole Auto Salon at 954-581-7188 or visit www.SeminoleAutoSalon.com.