Proud to be a member of the America Supports You Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2005
Contact: Lisa Frederick, USO-Metro
(703) 696-3278
Lisa.Frederick@fmmc.army.mil
Stars Shine at the First Annual Casino Night
The USO of Metropolitan Washington and the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington teamed up for a star-studded, Casino Night extravaganza, the Stars & Stripes, Diamonds & Clubs event on May 12. Miss America 2005 Deidre Downs hosted a high-energy evening featuring casino games such as Craps, Roulette, Wheel of Fortune, and Black Jack. Celebrity guests included America’s Tenor Daniel Rodriguez, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Superstars Chris Nowinski, Ron Simmons (Farooq), and Mick Foley, Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermy, USMC, country singer Jolie Edwards, and the USO’s very own singing troupe, the Liberty Belles.
The stars of the night were on hand to meet and greet guests, sign event programs, and to play a hand of poker or Black Jack. Guests flocked to take snapshots of the celebrities as they made the rounds in the room. Miss America 2005 Deidre Downs spoke of her enthusiasm for the event. "I had a great time at USO-Metro’s first annual Casino Night fundraiser. This is a fun way to contribute to the mission of the USO in providing support for our troops. It’s really an honor this year to serve as Miss America and have the opportunity to participate in this kind of event."
"USO-Metro was thrilled to team up with the Sheraton National Hotel for the first-ever Stars & Stripes, Diamonds & Clubs USO Benefit, " said Elaine Rogers, President of USO-Metro. "This event was truly spectacular! The funds raised at the benefit will be used to support USO-Metro programs, so we can continue to serve those who serve us in the DC area."
Attendees enjoyed stellar presentations by America’s Tenor Daniel Rodriguez, who performed America the Beautiful, and the Liberty Belles who sang tunes dating back to the early 1940s such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree. The Liberty Belles also performed anthems for the armed services as well as a special salute to Bob Hope. Guests had the opportunity to bid on fabulous items in a live and silent auction that included trips to New Orleans and Iceland and a sculpture entitled "Freedom" by the famous wildlife artist Lanar Ghiglieri. The Big Casino Winner of the night won a weekend stay and roundtrip airfare to Las Vegas. The second prize winner received a three-course meal and a bottle of wine at Bethesda, Maryland’s new restaurant "The Old Homestead Steakhouse," and the third prize winner received a special selection of wine by Ted Picard, Inc. The delectable dinner showcased the Sheraton National’s culinary expertise with Ahi Tuna, Fresh Herb Encrusted Tenderloin, Fresh steamed and Herb Marinated Shrimp. The highlights of the hotel’s presentation were a Mashed Potato Bar and Chocolate Fountain.
The Sheraton National Hotel Arlington, which recently underwent a $25 million dollar renovation, provided the location for the Stars & Stripes, Diamonds & Clubs Casino Night. They also donated their Commonwealth Ballroom, catering services, food and beverages, and Las Vegas and New Orleans Hotel accommodations for the casino's Grand Prize of the evening.
