They say to win big, you’ve got to lose big. But everyone who attended the Junior League’s 70th Anniversary casino-themed Gala on March 12 at the elegant New York Athletic Club came out a winner.  More than 200 beautiful guests, many dressed in glitzy, straight-out-of-Vegas attire (sequins! faux fur! purple galore! glam jewels!), were treated to an unforgettable night of delicious and unlimited food, high-stakes gambling, tantalizing auction prizes, an over-the-top raffle, dancing and non-stop fun!

Hard working Committee Co-Chairs Sandra Ritossa and Darleen Pallett Sobolakwere totally on the money, choreographing an evening that transformed the beloved A.C. into a casino to rival any on the Strip (eat your heart out, Adrienne Maloof!). At the door, guests were wowed by a jaw-dropping casino backdrop and given $50 of funny-money per couple to play on the craps, roulette and blackjack tables that beckoned the palatial ballroom beyond.

Partiers who preferred cushy prizes to cards could try their luck bidding for outrageous auction prizes, including a week in the South of France, Cartier wallets, a painter-for-a-day, Yankees tickets, a Delmonico’s steakhouse dinner and so much more. Others hit the dance floor with abandon (what happens on Travers Island, stays on Travers Island).

The evening was as reverent as it was ritzy, honoring our League’s past presidents in a touching ceremony and toast, and celebrating its seven decades of service to the community with an exquisite and delicious cake by Sugar and Spice Bakery — yummy kudos to Irina Brandler!

At night’s end, several guests took home raffle prizes, including a year of monthly brunches at Bistro Rollin, and all left with a sweetie of a swag bag (provided by Meridian Risk Management) brimming with treats like Ritossa Olive Oil ,custom JLP water, fresh baked cookies from Four Corners Bakery, and more. Winning!

Many thanks also to glamorous Committee Members:
Erin Apmann
Becky Griffith
Dimitra Holland
Lia Kenny
Laura Kalehoff
Jennifer Luce
Tara Lyons
Dawn Pintauro
Julie Chang-Normoyle
Catherine Testorf