Foundation benefits from casino night fundraiser
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

JACKSON - The Jackson Educational Foundation's first Casino Night made guests believe they were not in Lakewood, but in one of Atlantic City's finest casinos.

The fundraiser for the foundation was held Feb. 16 at the Lakewood Country Club and was co-chaired by Township Councilman Scott Martin and Board of Education member Sharon Dey.

"As you walked about the packed room to gamble the night away on blackjack, craps, roulette and Texas Hold'em poker, it was nice to see so many people having a great time for such a worthy cause," Martin said.

"I had a number of friends in attendance, and one by one they were telling me what a wonderful time they had and how much they are looking forward to attending again next year," Dey said.

"I have been to a number of casino nights and this was by far one of the best I have ever been at," saidMichael Thulen, who attended with friends. "We all had a great time."

At the end of the evening, everyone in attendance exchanged their winnings for raffle tickets to participate in an auction that offered 28 prizes that were donated by local businesses and individuals.

Prizes included jewelry, haircuts, manicures and pedicures. Gift certificates for dinners were donated by Scorpio's, Solo Bella, Emilio's and Doraldo's, and the Woman's Massage Center donated a massage.

Other prizes included a full home cleaning donated byMollyMaid; four New Jersey Devils tickets donated by Owen Little Engineers; a Tom Tom GPS donated by John Russo; a digital camera and an iPod Nano donated by Bob Schroeder; and Life Style Salon and Day Spa donated seven months of free haircuts and styling.

Dey,who isapartner inDoUaFavor, designed a gift auction table.

The Jackson Educational Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2005 that funds programs in Jackson schools that are not provided by the regular school budget. The foundation operates independent of the Jackson Board of Education.

"A marvelous time was had by all," said Marty Spielman, president of the foundation. "Sincere thanks to Scott and Sharon for planning this successful and fun event. The foundation's strength comes from our volunteers.

"Without the dedication and energy of all of the foundation's volunteers, the foundation would never have reached its present level of success and be looking forward to increased growth in our fundraising endeavors. … Everyone left a winner, especially the students and teachers of the Jackson School District who will benefit from the funds raised," he added.

Spielman said that the total amount of money that was raised on Casino Night has not been calculated yet.

The foundation's upcoming events include an art auction to be held onMarch 6 at the Knights of Columbus hall, Bartley Road, Jackson, and a fashion show and luncheon to be held at La Bové Grande at the Circle Landmark, Lakehurst, on March 29. Cocktail dresses, prom dresses and gowns, as well as tuxedos, suits and casual wear will be featured at discounted prices.

For more information visit theWeb site www.jacksoneducationalfoundation.org.