by Larry Oskin, Marketing Solutions
The Frankie Valente Scholarship Fund recently held a huge Lake County Casino Night at the Plantation at Leesburg. This fun annual event was held to support and share funds for EMT and paramedic education, tuition, books, and supplies.
Event co-organizer Anthony Valente shared, “Our 2026 Casino Night event was amazing, despite the Florida freeze that night, the hottest place to be was at the Casino Night. Almost 400 people participated in the event and it was sold out for the 5thyear in a row. We set a recording breaking goal this year, with tickets sales, raffle prize sales, corporate sponsorships, and personal donations; we exceeded $52,000 in gross donations for the charity. We are so proud of our community that steps up and supports First Responders in the way that is needed.”
Valente continued, “Bringing awareness to the importance of our First Responders is crucial and this is how we do it, and the community responded in numbers. The donated money will be put to good in within South Lake County to assist with tuition assistance, supplies and much more as we work with the colleges, and local First Responders Units and other charities dedicated to help. Joyce and I cannot thank enough, our sponsors, our community, our 50 volunteers, and all our friends from near and far. People came from New York, Denver, across Florida and other places to support us. There are really no words to express the gratitude we feel in memory of our son Frankie. It’s so heartfelt and humbling to be able to see how a community comes together for a great cause. We truly felt Frankie smiling that night through all the people there. Thank you for making this happen.”
New this year was a Caricature Arist, Michael Roll, who offered free drawings for the night, and a cash bar by Lake Catherine Farms, Jamie Lowe. Food was provided by Root and Branch, with a generous donation from Gordon Food. More than 100 companies, 25 table sponsors, and 2 big event sponsors have donated over $50,000 in prizes and giveaways that were distributed at this event. One winner won a free cruise from Kenya Swiss of Happy Place Traveler & Tours. Another won $500 in Lottery Tickets. Those attending sampled a delicious buffet and drinks from top Central Florida area restaurants and caterers, while also participating in our raffles with generous gift certificates, raffle prize baskets, silent auction items, and door prizes. The Plantation at Leesburg donated the entire venue.
The Frankie Valente Scholarship Fund has given away multiple new Lake Tech Scholarships over the past years. They have created a large Lake Tech Endowment Program with additional funds, so more Lake County students can get the scholarship help they need. The net fund of donations from this newest 2026 Island Casino Night event will be awarded to local students.
The Valente Family believes in the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, while leveraging their relationship to help make a difference in our community. They are also actively looking to partner with more local companies and organizations to hold mutually benefit events that will help each other. This is a charity that helps support other charities and community events. Their next event will be on Saturday, May 2, 2026 for a Kentucky Derby Party at The Cove Bar in Clermont.
Co-organizer Joyce Valente shares, “Get ready for 2027! We are always looking for more companies to become a sponsor, donor, volunteer, or participant in our future events.” Companies and people can donate through their website. Call: 585-500-9140, Email AValente@TheFVSFund.com or visit: https://www.thefvsfund.com where you can sign up for their newsletter and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/frankievalentescholarshipfund.
