Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/201657
The Casino crew Alyson and Joe Lauer learned all about Jubilee—and its associated mini-parties, if you will—at last year's event. The couple joined the WAC in January 2012 and were attending their first Jubilee. Eager to meet new people, they heeded a friend's advice and volunteered as dealers in the Jubilee Casino. For them, the party started a few weeks before the big night during three dealer trainings. "The training sessions were a lot of fun," Alyson recalls. The WAC brought in dinner, and Alyson and Joe, along with some 50 other members, learned the ins and outs of working blackjack, craps, and roulette tables. "There was one really good night where we were almost going to go to a casino after training because I was so hot on the craps table," Alyson laughs. When Jubilee finally rolled around, Alyson and Joe mingled easily with the more than 700 guests. Knowing faces in the crowd and meeting new ones during their time in the Casino made the night all the more enjoyable. As an added bonus, Alyson got to know WAC member Chris Barone, who serves on the 20s/30s Committee and encouraged her to join the committee, as well. Vice President Club Programs Melissa Borders smiles at the story, noting that members who attend Jubilee Casino trainings often develop strong new connections. "People really get to know each other during those training sessions," she says. "They make lifelong friends. New members are starting to learn it's a good place to meet people and get into the groove of the WAC." Whether you volunteer or not, the Casino is a Jubilee institution that this year will move back to the Crystal Ballroom. That move will add a further touch of elegance to one of attendees' favorite Jubilee traditions. It will also keep the party on the first three levels of the WAC, "The Casino is a Jubilee institution that this year will move back to the Crystal Ballroom." 26 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013