NEFBA’s 007 Casino Royale Gala delivered on its promise to kick off the end-of-the-year celebrations with a bang. The high-rolling excitement started at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Riverplace Tower.
With all the glamor of a Las Vegas casino, nearly 500 NEFBA members and their guests tried their luck at casino games, enjoyed a delicious meal, drinks and a martini bar. Every ticket holder was entered in the grand prize – an all-expense-paid trip for two to the real Las Vegas.
“The event was fantastic and everyone I talked to really enjoyed themselves,” said NEFBA President Dennis Ginder. “The entire staff and volunteers who worked on this event did an amazing job. A special thanks to Corey Deal and Chet Skinner for presenting the awards, and thanks to everyone for making it a great event and evening.”
With gaming excitement on the upper level, the main floor drew a crowd for food, drinks, dancing and live entertainment by Cloud Nine. Throughout the evening, prizes and the countdown for the grand prize heightened the anticipation for that final announcement.
At the end of the evening, five remaining contestants were brought to the stage, and one by one, four were eliminated, leaving the grand prize winner – Gary Burmeister with PrimeLending. Burmeister and his wife Robin are already planning their trip to Vegas.
“What a night!” said NEFBA Executive Director Corey Deal. “Everyone seemed to have a great time, and it looks as though we actually exceeded our fundraising goal. I congratulate the staff and volunteers for this success. This truly was a team effort, and I can’t say enough how proud I am to work with such a great group of folks.”
This was Deal’s first Gala as NEFBA’s executive director, although he had attended the event during his first tour of duty at NEFBA as its government affairs director.