The Staten Island Mall’s Center Court will be transformed into New Orleans for an entertaining night at Mardi Gras on Sunday, February 8, 2004 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. The event, called Casino Night: A Sure Bet, is a new College of Staten Island Foundation fundraiser chaired by Jim Easley, vice president and general manager of the Staten Island Mall.

Jim Easley has long history of supporting and chairing some of CSI’s most successful fundraisers has been with the Staten Island Mall for the past eight years. He was in mall management for the seven years prior. Easley moved from western Massachusetts to New Jersey with his wife of 20 years, Cathy, and their two children, Britney, age16 and Courtney, age 18. Easley is vice president of the College of Staten Island Foundation board of directors and a part time adjunct lecturer with the college’s business department.

CSI’s Casino Night will feature blackjack, roulette, and other games of chance, as well as a live Dixieland band, tarot card readers, a caricaturist, and culinary delights prepared by the American Grill Restaurant. Players can turn their casino winnings into platinum or gold level prizes, such as a four night vacation in New Orleans, including airfare and hotel, donated by John Mazza,

Other “fabulous” packages which are still being finalized according to event coordinator Donna Lindsey include theater, show and sporting event tickets, an all-day spa package, health club memberships, sports memorabilia and overflowing baskets of cheer, as well as the signature pampering services of Brooklyn’s Pilo Arts Day Spa and Salon for over 100 guests.

The ticket price for Casino Night is $150, and includes $50 of gaming chips, raffle tickets, sumptuous food and beverages, fabulous gifts, and other big surprises, according to Lindsey. Business attire is suggested and valet parking will be available.

For more information or a reservation, call CSI’s advancement office at 718-982-2365 by January 30, 2004.

All proceeds from Casino Night will benefit student scholarship programs and undergraduate research opportunities at the College of Staten Island.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Photography is available.