- May 19, 2025
Scott Campion and daughter-mother pair Jenielle and Pam Billy try their hand at the casino games. Photo by Paige Wilson
Flagler County Education Foundation members Suzie Johnston, Joe Rizzo and Catherine Evans. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast Fire Department Chief Mike Beadle, Old Kings Elementary Principal Katherine Crooke and Debbie Staly, the wife of Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, reach on the table to place their bets. Photo by Paige Wilson
Florida Hospital Flagler Chief Medical Officer Mark Kilman and his wife Danielle Kilman enjoy the festivities. Photo by Paige Wilson
Superintendent James Tager and his wife Jodi Tager enjoy the casino games. Photo by Paige Wilson
All eyes on the roulette wheel. Photo by Paige Wilson
Fire Rescue Chief Don Petito and Flagler Palm Coast High School Assistant Principal Kerri Sands. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast residents Sharon and Shelley Ragsdale stand with Flagler County Education Foundation Executive Director Joe Rizzo. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast residents Judy Rhea and Steve Verrier. Photo by Paige Wilson
Angela DiBuono as Marilyn Monroe and Flagler School Board Chairman Trevor Tucker. Photo by Paige Wilson
Laissez les bon temps rouler! This Cajun French saying rang true at the 15th-annual Mardi Gras Casino Night on Feb. 13, hosted by the Flagler County Education Foundation.
About 140 people reflected the spirit of New Orleans with gold, green and purple attire at the Grand Haven Golf Club. FCEF Executive Director Joe Rizzo said the event is expected to raise about $12,000 for the foundation.
Event Chairwoman Catherine Evans said a committee of eight started planning the event in October to ensure guests experience a night of Mardi Gras-themed entertainment. With admission, guests were given “play money” to try their hand at a variety of casino games.
“It’s a lot of fun, and we love to see everyone having a good time, but the best part is that, in the end, it’s the kids and the teachers that win,” Evans said. “That’s the most rewarding part.”
FCEF holds several events a year to raise money for its efforts like teacher grants, Take Stock in Children, the STUFF bus, the Josh Crews Writing Project and flagship programs in schools.
“We always need people’s time, talent and treasure to help raise the kids in Flagler County,” Rizzo said.
Visit flagleredfoundation.org and call 437-7526.
