Middleburg Heights Women's Club Casino Night Raises Over $11,000 for Student Scholarships

The annual fundraiser saw a 43% increase in revenue and 30% rise in ticket sales, supporting the club's mission of funding local student scholarships.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:12pm

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of casino chips in a tight grid pattern, capturing the energy and excitement of the Middleburg Heights Women's Club's Casino Night fundraiser in a modern pop art style.The Middleburg Heights Women's Club's annual Casino Night fundraiser generated over $11,000 to support local student scholarships, showcasing the community's commitment to investing in the next generation.Middleburg Heights Today

The Middleburg Heights Women's Club's annual Casino Night fundraiser brought in over $11,000 this year, a significant increase from the previous year. The funds will go towards scholarships for local students in the Berea City School District, with the club planning to award $10,500 in scholarships to seven students in 2026. The club's scholarship program is led by Vice President Claudia Castelli and selects recipients through a structured, unbiased review process focused on financial need, academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

Why it matters

The Middleburg Heights Women's Club's scholarship program provides critical financial assistance to local students, helping them pursue higher education and build their futures. With the rising costs of tuition, books, and educational supplies, many students are balancing academic commitments with part-time jobs, making this support more important than ever.

The details

The Casino Night fundraiser, now in its second year, saw a 43% increase in revenue and a 30% rise in ticket sales compared to the inaugural event. The funds raised will support the club's overall goal of awarding over $260,000 in scholarships and $37,000 in community donations to date. The scholarship selection process is led by a five-member committee that reviews applications with identifying information removed, evaluating candidates based on financial need, academics, extracurricular activities, community involvement, work history, and personal essays.

  • The Casino Night fundraiser was held on March 28, 2026.
  • In 2025, the club awarded $10,000 in scholarships to seven students.
  • In 2026, the club plans to award $10,500 in scholarships to seven students.

The players

Evelyn DiBello

The president of the Middleburg Heights Women's Club, who reported that the club's overall fundraising efforts this year exceeded $15,600, with Casino Night contributing more than $11,000 to that total.

Claudia Castelli

The vice president of the Middleburg Heights Women's Club and the leader of the scholarship program, who oversees the structured and unbiased review process for selecting scholarship recipients.

Middleburg Heights Women's Club

A local community organization that has awarded over $260,000 in scholarships and $37,000 in donations to support the Middleburg Heights community.

Berea City School District

The school district that serves the Middleburg Heights area, from which the Women's Club scholarship recipients are selected.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to report that our fundraising efforts this year have been very successful, with total contributions exceeding $15,600. Casino Night was a standout event, once again serving as a major driver of our fundraising success. Casino Night contributed more than $11,000 to our overall total this year.”

— Evelyn DiBello, President, Middleburg Heights Women's Club

“The Middleburg Heights Women's Club Scholarship Committee, composed of four members and one alternate, selects recipients through a structured, unbiased review process led by the Vice President. Our goal is to support young women who are working hard to build their futures and give back to their communities.”

— Claudia Castelli, Vice President and Scholarship Program Leader, Middleburg Heights Women's Club

What’s next

The Middleburg Heights Women's Club will continue to host fundraising events throughout the year, including the Summer in the City Lemonade Stand, the city's Annual Fall Fest, and other themed events, to support their scholarship program and community initiatives.

The takeaway

The Middleburg Heights Women's Club's successful Casino Night fundraiser demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting local students and the organization's dedication to investing in the futures of young women. This event, along with the club's other initiatives, highlights the power of grassroots community organizations to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and the broader community.