Carousel fund benefit raises $170,000 for kids

<p>It was a big night full of fun and good will for the approximately 1,400 people who attended the 19th annual Carousel Fund Casino Night fund-raiser held Saturday at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building.</p><p>The dinner-dance-auction raised an estimated $165,000 to $170,000, which will provide financial assistance to a number of Petaluma families with children suffering from life-threatening illnesses — including Jacob Jovick, a young boy suffering from leukemia, and Maura Coldwell, a baby born with a rare breathing disorder that causes her to stop breathing in her sleep. </p><p>“It was wonderful that we raised a lot of money for these families that are in dire need of support,” said Carou-sel Fund founder Arnie Cohen.</p><p>Special guest entertainer was actor-musician John Corbett, star of “Sex and the City,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Northern Exposure” and lead singer of his own band.</p><p>The evening featured both live and silent auctions with items up for bid such as a Princess cruise anywhere in the world, exclusive wines, trips to see the Tour de France, Hawaii, Victoria and New York, and dinners at famous eateries such as the French Laundry. Also on the auction block were jewelry, art, NASCAR and sports memorabilia. </p><p>Special guest entertainer this year was actor-musician John Corbett, star of “Sex and the City,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Northern Exposure” and lead singer of his own John Corbett Band. “He loved being here,” said Cohen. “And everyone loved him.”</p><p>According to Cohen, this year’s event saw record attendance. There was also a great cleanup crew, he said. “The students of Petaluma High School’s Interact Club helped clean along with Jesse White’s Unique Maintenance. They helped us tremendously.”</p><p>This year’s event was co-sponsored by Basin Street Properties, Mike Hudson Distributing, Daphne’s Greek Café and All-American Printing Services.</p><p>“This was one of the top years for the event,” Cohen added. “We’re thrilled to be part of the wonderful community Petaluma is.”</p><p>(Contact Yovanna Bieberich at ybieberich@arguscourier.com)</p>