Franklin Ave. Playground Casino Night Draws 200 People

Approximately 200 people took part in the Franklin Avenue Playground Committee's "Casino Night" Saturday in the Knights of Columbus hall in Blauvelt.

The event kicked off fundraising efforts by the committee, which has a goal of raising $100,000 to replace the playground equipment at Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Pearl River.

"This has been a fantastic start to our fundraising activities and the playground committee greatly appreciates the support the local community has shown tonight," said Donna Warren, who is the co-chair of the fundraising committee along with Jean Beckerle. "We look forward to everybody's ongoing support in this important effort as we strive to reach our $100,000 fundraising goal."

Over 60 gift baskets were raffled off, including items such as Disney Park Hopper tickets, laser tag and bowling parties, local sporting event tickets, jewelry and gift certificates to local restaurants. Two Franklin Avenue students won the chance to be "principal for a day" in the silent auction.

Raffaele's Pizzeria donated dinner and Defiant Brewing Company provided its Snow Beer.

The following businesses sponsored casino tables:

• Beckerle Lumber
• TD Bank
• Allstate
• GKG CPAs
• JM Hartel & Co. 
• Nelson Metals Corp.
• New School Wines
• O'Connell & Riley, Esqs.

Upcoming Playground Ave. Fundraising Committee events include:

• April 12 - Cut-A-Thon at Bangs in Pearl River, $10 hair cuts from noon to 5 p.m.
• May 10 and 11 -  Spring Plant Sale
• May 26 - Rockland Boulders opening weekend game, tickets $16
• June (day to be announced) - Breaking Guinness Book of World Records mark for the longest ice cream sundae.

The contact e-mail for the Franklin Avenue Playground Committee is faplayground@hotmail.com