While final numbers aren’t yet available, the Culver City High School Boosters’ 10th annual Casino Night was a rousing success.
More than 500 attendees dined on food donated by Red’s Flavor Table, Sorrento Italian Market, Victor Jr.’s, Honey Kettle, CAVA, Chick-Fil-A, Pieology, I Luv Sushi, El Abajeno, Kay ‘n Dave’s, and Campos Tacos.
They drank beverages donated by Firestone Walker, Lagunitas, La Brea Liquor, Torrance Circle K, Sorrento Italian Market and Security Service Systems, all the while playing blackjack and other casino games.
When not playing, eating or imbibing, attendees opened their wallets and purses at the Live and Silent Auction.
They ate incredible desserts baked and/or donated by the Culver City High School cheerleaders. This star-studded event not only attracted local dignitaries like Vice Mayor Jeff Cooper, City Councilperson Göran Eriksson, Principal Dr. Lisa Cooper, and Supt. Dr. Joshua Arnold, but also perennial pro bowl linebacker Rod Martin, 1984 U.S. gold medalist Henry Tillman, Olympian Rayfield Beaton, and former NFL’ers Calvin Sweeney and Sam (Bam) Cunningham.
The event raised over $50,000 against expenses of less than $5,000 with the proceeds supporting Culver City High School teams and clubs.
CCHS alum Larry Zeidman, the organizer and leader of the event, and the Culver High Volunteer of the Year in 2015, was beaming last Monday morning.
Clearly fatigued from the long event, Mr. Zeidman reported that he walked 15 miles on Saturday, all within Vets Auditorium and the parking lot.
“It’s a tremendous amount of work,” Mr. Zeidman explained. “But we had great help, and we were able to raise much needed money for the teams and clubs.
“It was great seeing so many Culver City residents come out to support the cause and have a great time.”
Asked about next year’s event, Mr. Zeidman, who has chaired the past five CCHS Booster Club Casino Nights, was non-committal. “Let me have a few months to think about it. I’m just not sure yet.”