Casino Night Raises Funds for New Holiday Lights
Nearly 200 neighbors in Lake Hiawatha gathered for a casino night fundraiser that exceeded expectations, bringing holiday decorations back to their revitalized business district. The community event raised enough money to restore festive cheer to North Beverwyck Road after years without seasonal lights.
A New Jersey neighborhood is bringing back its holiday tradition after a casino night fundraiser drew nearly 200 people and surpassed its fundraising goal.
The Friends of Lake Hiawatha packed the Parsippany Police Athletic League on October 3 for an evening of blackjack, raffles, and community connection. Neighbors and local business owners gathered from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., each receiving $100 in play money to try their luck at the tables.
The celebration went beyond games and prizes. Sons of Italy Lodge 3451 prepared dinner for guests, while raffle items including a television, Jets basket, and sport coat outfit kept the excitement going throughout the night.
"The amount we made exceeded expectations, and we are grateful to everyone who came out," said Antoinette Simmons, President of the Friends of Lake Hiawatha. The fundraiser aims to purchase new decorations for the updated light posts along North Beverwyck Road.
For years, the volunteer group decorated the corridor with holiday lights until a revitalization project made the old decorations incompatible with new infrastructure. The business district has gone without seasonal decorations during construction, but the project is now nearing completion.
The Ripple Effect
This fundraiser represents more than just holiday decorations returning to one street. The Friends of Lake Hiawatha, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, also hosts the annual Winterfest celebration featuring Santa's arrival, creating traditions that bring the community together year after year.
The strong turnout demonstrates what happens when neighbors invest in shared spaces and experiences. Local business owners who have decorated their storefronts with fall displays will soon see their winter efforts matched by coordinated street decorations that welcome shoppers and residents alike.
All proceeds from the casino night go directly toward purchasing decorations designed for the modernized light posts, ensuring North Beverwyck Road will sparkle again this holiday season.
More Images
Based on reporting by Acts of Kindness Desk
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
Turn Today’s Good News Into Action
Generate a simple, meaningful 2-minute act of kindness you can do today and log your ripple effect.
Spread the positivity!
Share this good news with someone who needs it
