Sold-Out Casino Night Event Raises Funds to Help Area Homeless

By Laura Busch

On May 16th, 200 people filled the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds to raise money for Family Promise of Sussex County. The sold-out Betting on a Better Future: All-In to End Homelessness Casino Night event brought agency supporters together to help individuals and families in our community who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

Guests enjoyed an evening pf casino themed activities and games. Winners received coupons that could be used to enter to win prizes. DJ Ray Sikora supplied the soundtrack for the night and led enthusiastic guests in several rounds of karaoke, with dancing and a lively conga line.

A buffet dinner was catered by Dominick’s with coffee and desserts donated by Holland American Bakery, Starbucks, and Clove Brook Market. Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub donated the champagne toast that started the evening and provided a cash bar.

At the end of the night, Family Promise of Sussex County raffled off prizes valued at over $10,000, which were donated by area businesses.

The event was sponsored by Thor Labs, Custom Wood Furniture, Purnell Family Giving Trust, Visions Federal Credit Union, Salon Fig, Junior Women’s League of Sparta, Fredon Animal Hospital, DeBoer’s Auto, Cornerstone Title & Settlement and many others.

Homelessness increased in Sussex County by 137% between 2022 and 2023, and one third of the homeless individuals documented were children. Rising inflation and increasing housing costs are making it harder for people to maintain their housing and leaving them with nowhere to go. The funds raised at our Casino Night event will go to support our neighbors in Sussex County who are experiencing a housing crisis and help bring an end to homelessness in our community.

Thank you to all who attended and helped make this event a great success. We can’t wait to see you all again next year.

About Family Promise of Sussex County

The mission of Family Promise of Sussex County is to secure housing stability and sustainability for those in crisis…because everyone deserves a home. Our vision is that every individual and family shall have a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future. We offer many services and a dedicated team of individuals that are available to assist our clients in attaining these goals. To learn more visit us at https://familypromisesussex.or... or our offices in Newton, Sparta and Sussex or contact us at 973-579-1180 or [email protected].