Family Society’s First Casino Night Is A Huge Success!

November 11, 2007 was not only the 98th anniversary of the World War I armistice, but also the first Israel Cantor Family Society Casino Night. It was held at the Hornick-Becker household in Brooklyn , and was a popular event. There was some kind of meeting beforehand, at which cemetery plots and the 95th anniversary weekend were discussed, but all of that was just a preface to the rampant gambling that went on in the basement later.

The shenanigans began with a pre-recorded horse race by Larry Becker. Participants chose from a list of horses, and listened to a race between supposed thoroughbreds named: Fivel Cantor Goes West, Matzoh Ball Kid, Brittney Shmears, Is There A Doctor In The House For My Daughta?, Kutshers Again, and Pastrami Platter. After a neck-and-neck race, the winner was…Kutshers Again! Those who chose the right horse started out with one extra chip. It was a great way to start the afternoon.

After the horse race, everyone convened in the basement, where the croupiers wore the standard green clear plastic visors and vests with bowties. Suddenly, family ties meant nothing. Third cousins were challenging each other at the roulette table, husbands and wives were sworn enemies at the blackjack table, and parents and children bluffed at the Texas Hold ‘Em poker table. After two hours of reckless gambling, players cashed in their winnings for raffle tickets, which were redeemed for prizes: t-shirts with Cantor family wisdom on the back (see below). Eli Markham-Cantor and David Berman were among the highest winners, making their fortunes at the poker and roulette tables respectively.

It was a fabulous event and all had a great time throwing their inhibitions to the wind. Audrey and Daryl Hornick-Becker and Aaron and Meredith Hornick did a fantastic job organizing. And, a big thank you to Amy Hornick and Larry Becker, Linda and Sandy Hornick for their great efforts in making the meeting a success. There is a movement to make this an annual event. Place your bets!

Audrey Hornick-Becker presented the winning t-shirts.

The winners received the above t-shirt with the following legend on the back:

What Happens Here Stays Here…
And has to be argued about for five hours
But can’t get voted on till the next meeting
Where one person will take control of the society
And someone throws a chair
And all the pastrami is gone
And one word:
Kutshers

— as observed by Tess Liebersohn, Philadelphia.