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Leadership Alumni Event Worth Gamble

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 13, 2008

BRANDON - It's not much of a gamble to plan an event when the community benefits, said Aubrey Primrose, chairwoman of the Leadership Brandon Alumni Association's ninth annual Casino Night.

With a few additions, such as a chance to have a photo taken with a Vegas showgirl, Primrose is confident that this year's Casino Night will be a hit.

The event will take place from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday at Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon.

Leadership Brandon has been sponsored by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce since 1985. Classes with about 30 business people meet once a month for nine months to learn about cultural, economic, educational and social issues in the Brandon area.

The alumni association was formed to continue the classes' social and professional networking opportunities and community service. Members raise money for scholarships and community projects, including recent initiatives for Rotary's Camp Florida, the Emergency Care Help Organization, the Brandon Outreach Clinic and the James McCabe Theater.

"Casino Night is always a lot of fun," Primrose said. "We'll have a VIP reception at 6 p.m. for the sponsors and contributors, and then everyone else will join us at 6:30 for craps, roulette, blackjack. In addition, there will be signature drinks and hors d'oeuvres."

The $30 ticket cost includes $2,500 worth of casino "fun money," a chance to bid on silent auction items and win door prizes, one complimentary drink and entertainment.

Players' winnings earn them a chance at restaurant gift certificates, baskets of wine, dishware, coffee, car washes and other items donated by area businesses.

For an additional $20, players can try to win a hotel package at a Texas Hold-em Tournament.

Title sponsor Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village, owned by Brandon Honorary Mayor Tammy Holmberg, will provide food for the event.

"New this year is there's going to be a Vegas showgirl here, and everyone will be able to have their photo taken with her and will be able to take it home as a memento of the evening," Primrose said.

To purchase tickets or for information, go to www .brandonchamber.com or call (813) 689-1221.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524 or dlwhite@tampatrib.com.

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