NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick. Some 400 people showed up for the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce's "Mardi Gras Casino Night" on Friday night at Hidden Lakes Golf Club. At far left is Deltona resident Audrey Ostoyic. In the middle are Chamber volunteer Kenneth Bohannon and Chamber President Sue Willams. In the top right are Realtor Tom Alcorn and below right is Chamber Executive Director Steve Dennis.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Audrey Ostoyic made it a night out Friday with hubby, Bill, at the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce's "Mardi Gras Casino Night" at Hidden Lakes, a fundraider for the business advocacy entity.
"We're here with a hundred bucks, but I'm only going to spend 20 (on the games) and I'll buy gifts," the 37-year-old Deltona resident said of the array of gift baskets donated by local businesses.
For Ostoyic, an Internet marketinfg specialist with Realtor Tom Alcorn, this was a night for her and her husband to have a date night away from the kids, 18, 16, and 12.
"I'm having a blast," she said with a laugh at a game with a spinning wheel.
Because it's for charity, the night of gaming is legal -- this being the 5th annual Mardi Gras night for the Chamber.
For Sue Williams, president of the Chamber, the 400-plus people in attendance for the four-hour event that started at 5:30 p.m. was a blessing.
"This promotes healthy growth and development of our Chamber so we can continue to give back to or community on all levels," Williams said, adding she was uncertain how much money would be generated. Attendees paid $20 at the door and the prizes were donated by local businesses and the event hosted for free by Hidden Lakes.
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This wasn't Las Vegas so nobody went home a millionaire, but many seemed to be enjoying the camaraderie and the atmosphere.
Ingrid Ascherl of Edgewater lucked out with a winning bid of $25 for a candy basket valued at $50 in a silent auction. She and friend, Diann Davis of Oak Hill plunked down a few bucks for a drink and raffle tickets.
Kim Lawler, an ambassador with the Chamber, a member of the fundraiser committee was among a dozen or so volunteers working to make the night a success.
"This is such an important event for us and we want to make sure everyone is having a good time."
Tom Alcorn, a Realtor with Ocean Properties, said he was there as he is at many community endeavors because "it's important to show support."
NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick. At left, D.J. Big Tom Sturges is flanked by Mark and Daisy Wawrzonek, owners of Edgewater Fitness. At right, Ingrid Ascherl of Edgewater and Dian Davis of Oak Hill, are enjoying the night out. At bottom right, Robin Mackie of New Smyrna Beach, is dressed as a princess and at bottom left, Kim Lawler of New Smyrna Beach, an insurance agent with Berlin % Denys of New Smyrna Beach, a chamber ambassador, helped organize the event.