Before Casino Royale became one of the Rugiero Promise Foundation’s signature traditions, it began with a single evening dedicated to honoring Antonio Rugiero Sr. and supporting diabetes research.
The first Rugiero Casino Royale was held at the Italian American Club in Livonia in October 2010. Approximately 150 guests gathered for the inaugural event, beginning a tradition that would continue to grow in attendance, fundraising and community impact.
Hour Detroit documented the evening through an event feature and photo gallery. The coverage offers a valuable look at the earliest chapter of Casino Royale and the community members who supported the Rugiero family’s mission from the beginning.
The fundraiser was inspired by the family’s memories of Antonio Sr., including the trips he took with his sons to restaurant industry events in Las Vegas. By incorporating casino-style entertainment into the event, the family created a celebration that reflected those memories while raising money for a cause that had deeply affected their lives.
More than 15 years later, Casino Royale continues to carry Antonio Sr.’s legacy forward and support researchers working to change the future of diabetes.
