'Strike It Rich' for our youth

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Who wants to strike it rich? Who wants to enjoy great food and drinks and dance the night away with the chance to win thousands of dollars?

This is your chance to become a thousandaire and support the many local diverse needy children's programs funded by the Southeast Volusia chapter of Kiwanis through its largest fundraiser, "Strike It Rich."

The 2008 Kiwanis Club "Strike It Rich" Fundraiser is 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Brannon Center. Tickets cost $125, which admit two people. There is a limit of 400 tickets sold.

Frank Gilday, chairman of of "Strike It Rich," said there are numerous opportunities to win cash and prizes, including 50/50 cash drawings, Wheelbarrow of Cheer raffles, Bingo games, Past-time Princess fishing trip raffle, and the big one: Cash prize drawings of $10,000.00 to one lucky winner (2nd place gets $3,000.00, 3rd place gets $2,000, 4th and 5th place get $1,000).

The catered dinner is by Chef Sue. This is an open bar hosted by Merks Bar & Grill with music and dancing by DJ Tom.

"This is the Kiwanis Club's largest annual fundraiser," Gilday stressed. "Through its fund-raising efforts, Kiwanis International supports children and young adults around the world. In a typical year, Kiwanis clubs invest more than 6 million hours and 100 million dollars in their respective communities."

Gilday emphasized that proceeds raised from this event go directly to support causes here in Volusia County, including: Association Of Retarded Citizens(ARC) - $500-plus; Alfred A. Guliano High School Scholarship - $2,000; Ted Jakomis Bike Program fro underprivileged children- $1,000; Bob Noss Mini Grant Program - $12,500; Boy Scouts of America - $2,000; Children's Cancer Fund - $1,500; Futures Foundation - $2,000; New Smyrna PAL - $2,500; USO - $500; Victims Advocacy - $1,500; YMCA - $2,500.

Gilday said he is so excited about the upcoming "Strike It Rich," which he described as "the premier social event" in greater New Smyrna Beach.

"Everyone has a blast," Gilday said. "Where else can you go out to dinner in this town and get a chance to win $10,000 at the same time? The best part is that while you're having fun, you are supporting kids in our community. Catered dinner,drinks,dancing,- a chance to win $10,000.00 while socializing with friends -- what more could you ask for? And the best part is that the proceeds go to support Kiwanis programs like the Children's Cancer Foundation."