Boots & Pearls Casino Night Gives Back to Hernando County Children
- Noelle Pappas
- Sep 21
- 2 min read
The Kiwanis Club of the Adventure Coast hosted its annual Boots & Pearls Casino Night on Friday at The Legends at Silverthorn, raising funds to support children and families in need across Hernando County.
Guests arrived in cowboy boots and pearls for an evening of casino-style games and raffles, all for a cause that stays right here within our county. Organizers said the event has become a community favorite and an important fundraiser for local youth programs.
“It’s important to support the local Kiwanis fundraising efforts because all of this stays in our community, in Hernando County,” said Kiwanis member Karen Gerardi. “We can see the results happening.”
The club receives dozens of requests for help throughout the year, especially during the holiday season when the need is greatest. In the past, the Kiwanis have provided funding for high school football helmets, school supplies, uniforms, and even rent assistance for families facing homelessness.
“The biggest thing that I felt good about was when we helped a family living in their car with four little kids,” recalled Bev Reso, another club leader. “The children couldn’t attend school because they had no address. We paid their rent so they had somewhere to live and attend school.”
Reso noted that many families in Hernando County live in motels or doubled-up living situations. The club has stepped in to provide air mattresses, toiletries, and other supplies. “The need has gone through the roof,” she said.
Club president Chris Dyer said the mission of Kiwanis is simple: “Changing the world one community, one child at a time.”
“That mission means every kid in our area doesn’t go unnoticed,” Dyer said. “Whether it’s helping a student sign up for the YMCA, providing toiletries for homeless children, or helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, our goal is to bring private money in and get it to those who need it most.”
Despite challenges with the economy, organizers said the night was a success. While there was no set fundraising goal, Gerardi said the hope was to surpass last year’s total.
“Whatever we make will benefit the children completely,” she said. “Every dollar made at the event tonight will directly support Hernando County children.”
For Kiwanis Club member Melanie Grossi and attendee Gina Finocchiaro, who have attended for the past four years, the motivation is simple.
“The kids have motivated me to come to this event,” Grossi said. “The Kiwanis Club of the Adventure Coast has really impacted this community in many ways, especially during Christmastime or at local schools. We don’t mind supporting a great cause.”
Hernando County residents can visit https://k18930.site.kiwanis.org/ to join or support The Kiwanis Club of the Adventure Coast.
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