It all began with a sub sandwich. Rather, a bagful of sub sandwiches from Grapevine Subs & More.
Nicole and Sam Felberbaum, proprietors of Grapevine Subs at the time, had a brilliant fundraising idea for the CBI Brotherhood, a group of community-spirited people associated with Congregation Beth Israel, a Reform Jewish community in Colleyville.
It was late in 2013, and Sam’s idea was a casino night event to benefit several local charitable agencies, including GRACE. Sam’s purpose of the meeting—and the subs—was to learn some of the “tricks of the trade” of doing special events.
Sam had been impressed by the reach and success of the GRACE Gala, and was hoping to use it as a model for his casino night idea. A date in January 2014 was set, and a theme of a 1920’s-era speakeasy tavern was created.
Fast forward nine years, and Sam’s concept has blossomed into one of the premier casino night events in North Texas. In all, the CBI Casino Night has given more than $35,000 to support GRACE programs and services. Many other agencies have benefited over the years, including Stepping Stones Foundation, Jewish Family Services, and the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation.
GRACE’s circle of friends at Congregation Beth Israel has expanded also to include Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and Adena Cytron-Walker, Stephanie and Peter Shukis, Nancy and Mike Finfer, Barry Klompus, Rena and Howard Frost, Cindy and Howard Rosenthal, and dozens of other men and women who worship at CBI.
Nicole and Sam Felberbaum are once again leading the casino night activities. Of course, the chance to glimpse Sam Felberbaum in white John Travolta-like bellbottoms on the dance floor would have been worth the price of admission.
But, in light of skyrocketing numbers of people catching the Omicron variant, the CBI Brotherhood made the very difficult decision to return to a virtual casino night. The event is free to participate. Just register at https://disco2022.ggo.bid/.
In the end, the CBI Casino Night is a fundraiser. A number of local agencies, including GRACE, will benefit from the proceeds. Your free registration will enable you to preview and bid on many fabulous Silent and Live Auction items.
The Raffle offerings are also amazing—practically like cash prizes! The CBI Brotherhood has established nine (9) chances to win Amazon gift cards valued between $100 and $1,000. Raffle tickets begin at $25, but discount down to $8 each with volume buys. The raffle tickets can be purchased once you’ve registered.
GRACE relies on the generosity of donors like the CBI Brotherhood to help fund programs and services for those in need. Here is our chance for GRACE friends to turn the tables and help the CBI Brotherhood with attendance and support. Please register: https://disco2022.ggo.bid/.
If you should have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact casinonight@congregationbethisrael.org. If you experience any technical issues when registering, email support@congregationbethisrael.org.
