By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond NAACP will trade in its traditional banquet for feathers, flapper dresses, and a roll of casino chips when it hosts its 36th Annual Freedom FUNdraiser. The fun will take place Saturday, April 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at CoBiz Richmond.
Billed as a “Harlem Comes to Richmond Casino Night,” the event invites guests to step back into the Roaring 20s for an evening of casino games, Harlem‑inspired cuisine, period cocktails and vintage style, all in support of scholarships for youth, educational travel, and Civil Rights advocacy in the greater Richmond community.
“This year we’re trying to do something different,” said Linda Whitmore, third VP of the Richmond NAACP and chair of the Casino Night Planning Committee. “We normally do sit‑down dinners, and the state is asking branches to go outside the box,” she explained during a recent interview. “We still want to show that we can be serious about Civil Rights, but also show that we can have a good time and be a relevant group.”
Guests are encouraged to dress to the nines in Roaring ’20s attire—think feathers, zoot suits, and speakeasy glam—but costumes aren’t mandatory.
“Everyone’s welcome to come however they’re dressed,” Whitmore said. “Hopefully no jeans,” she added with a laugh.
Admission is $150 per person and includes $100 in casino cash—played with Monopoly-style money rather than real stakes—along with access to casino tables, raffle prizes, entertainment, and a full evening of food and ambiance. Players can redeem winnings for raffle tickets throughout the night, with prizes such as gift cards and themed baskets donated by supporters.
A highlight of the evening will be what Whitmore calls a “Taste of Harlem.” The buffet will be prepared by Chef Frank Miller, formerly of Riggers Loft, and will feature dishes inspired by Harlem cuisine, along with a dessert bar. Guests will also receive a commemorative photo, perfect for capturing their vintage look.
Adding to the atmosphere, The Factory Bar will serve specialty cocktails inspired by the Prohibition era—classic drinks such as the Cat’s Meow—while projections of historic Harlem landmarks like the Cotton Club add visual flair to the space.
In the spirit of friendly competition, the evening will include a Harlem Speakeasy Attire Contest, with prizes awarded for best female, male, and couple costumes.
“We’re still working on the gifts, but we’ll be judging individuals and couples,” Whitmore said.
Beyond the glamour, Whitmore emphasized the event’s deeper purpose. Proceeds from Casino Night support scholarships for African American students, including assistance for educational travel, as well as ongoing voter education and civil rights work in Richmond. She shared that last year the branch helped a student afford a study trip to South Africa.
“You need to have money to do the work,” Whitmore said. “This is one way we’re trying to make it fun and exciting, but still raise funds to support what we do here in the city of Richmond”.
Purchase tickets to the Casino Night here. CoBiz Richmond is located at 1503 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. Sponsorships of the evening are available through April 17. Levels include: High Roller $5,000, Aces 21 $2,500, Texas Holdem $1,000 and Pai Gow Poker $500. Inquire about sponsorships with Linda Whitmore at [email protected].
