Casino Night
April 26, 2025 | Destiny Funeral Home | Long Beach, CA
As the sun set and the final touches were added to the venue, a quiet anticipation lingered in the air. But that stillness quickly gave way to excitement, as the first guest arrived — windswept in an elegant gown — followed by a stream of attendees dressed to the nines. For a moment, we wondered: did we plan a Casino Night or accidentally host the Met Gala?
What unfolded was a night to remember, with casino table games, cocktails, a lively DJ, finger foods - and yes, even bingo! - all brought together in celebration and support of a greater cause.
LACFDA Treasurer Sean Douglass, President Russell Chemerisov, and Steve Crawford (CFDA).
With the gracious support of our board member Brittany Holtson, LACFDA was proud to host Casino Night 2025 at Destiny Funeral Home in beautiful Long Beach, CA.
This year marked a special milestone: we officially renamed our Association’s scholarship fund the Douglass Family Memorial Scholarship, honoring the longstanding dedication and service of the Douglass family, to both the LACFDA and the funeral service industry at large.
The night wasn’t just about fun - though there was plenty of that - it was also about community, recognition, and impact. We were thrilled to offer a welcoming space where funeral professionals could connect beyond the workplace, all while raising funds for a meaningful cause.
A happy blackjack dealer, with LACFDA Secretary Raymundo Perez-Plascencia and Jasmine Barrios (Hollywood Forever).
All proceeds from the event went directly to the Douglass Family Memorial Scholarship Fund, which aims to support the next generation of funeral professionals with the resources they need to thrive.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors who made the evening possible:
· Wigren Medical
· Douglass Mortuaries
· Southland Medical LLC
· CA Body Transport
· Guided Transitions CA
· On Demand Autopsy
· Batesville Caskets
· Valkyrie Transportation
· Prince Charters LLC
· Frigid Fluids
· Professor Teresa Trendler (PCC)
And now, the moment we've all been waiting for...
Please join us in congratulating Cynthia Aguilar Sanchez, our 2024 Douglass Family Memorial Scholarship recipient! Cynthia is a student in the Mortuary Science Program at Cypress College and currently serves as our Student Liaison. Her passion and commitment to the profession embody the spirit of this scholarship.
As for our 2025 recipient? Stay tuned…and we appreciate everyone who applied!
Thanks a million to everyone who attended, participated, and supported this unforgettable night. We can’t wait to do it again next year. And remember, the jackpot we’re after is a brighter future for funeral service!
Holding down the fort, board members: Karen Washington (Inglewood Park Cemetery) & Steve Espolt (Green Hills Memorial)
