The Connecticut Carwash Association rolled out a Casino Night event on June 7 at its Annual Meeting at the Marriott Courtyard in Cromwell (view pictures). The first-time event hit the jackpot, according to outgoing CCA President Tom Mathes. “The guys just loved it,” said Mathes. “They had a great time gambling and talking with their fellow carwashers. It was a huge success.”

The event was facilitated by a company out of Long Island that specializes in casino night events. Each attendee was given $1,000 in CCA phony money in which to gamble. The evening included black jack, roulette, poker and Texas Hold’em. The group of 50 also enjoyed a cash bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a carving station. “We tried to make it fun and different,” said event Chairperson Dan Petrelle. “I think we were successful!”

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2006 Kenneth M. Gustafson Sr. Scholarship Awards. Two high school seniors received $1,000 checks toward their future education. The winners were Simoniz USA’s Jacqueline Pointer and Torrington Car Wash’s Alexander Marconi.

Next, the association awarded Julio Candiotti of Camp Avenue Car Wash with the CCA’s Carwasher of the Year award. Candiotti has been working at Camp Avenue for five years. He worked his way up to a management position and treats his job as if he were the wash’s owner, according to Frank Gaglio, Camp Avenue owner. Candiotti received a $100 gaming credit and two-night stay at the Mohegan Sun compliments of the CCA.

The association’s new officer slate was also voted in during the event. The 2006-2007 board includes President Dan Petrelle of Splash, Vice President Anthony Setaro of Jet Spray Touchless, Treasurer Bob Rossini of Torrington Car Wash and Directors Mark DiTommaso of Autoshine Carwash Systems, Jeff McIntyre of Simoniz USA, Joe Tracy of Magic Minit, Jeff Lemire of Citadelnetworks and Noah Levine of Rapid Car Wash.

Outing President Tom Mathes then awarded retiring board member Denis Flynn of Branford Car Wash with a plaque to acknowledge his years of service to the board. Mathes himself was also presented with the outgoing president’s award by incoming president Dan Petrelle.

The event was wrapped up with an auction the attendees could participate in by bidding on prizes with the money they had won gambling.

The association’s next event is its annual Holiday Gathering, December 6, at Carmine’s in New Haven. For registration information call the association office at 800/287-6604 or 518/280-4767. You can also visit www.wewashctcars.com.