Rotary Club of New Berlin, New Berlin RotarySolving a mystery of Herculean proportions
 
An evening of gladiator warfare and celebration was planned for all of Rome to enjoy. Shockingly, Titus, a grand champion gladiator, went to the Colossuem in the sky during the party. (But not before feasting on a sumptuous meal of chicken breast, tenderloin tips, home-style mashed potatoes and sweet corn.) Whodunit?
 
It was up to the 145 guests--a record attendance--to solve this baffling mystery. A plot with more twists than a gladiator's moves and more turns than a chariot race, this tale had everyone on the edge of their seats. (Well, at least scratching their heads a bit.)
 
While poring over a mountain of evidence, guests interviewed each suspect - could they believe what they were hearing? And such intrigue! Who brought the tonic? Who wrote the note left on Titus? Why did Felix tear up his divorce decree? Eventually, six of the 17 tables correctly identified who the bad guy--or more accurately, bad gal--was.
 
Our murder mystery dinner featured a wine pull, standard raffle and 50/50 raffle. A wine spritzer was available, with a portion of each sale going to our efforts. We're still crunching the numbers--wore out one abacus already--but we raised at least $4,500 during the night. That includes $582 that the winner of the 50/50 raffle, Angie Leikam, donated back to the club. Angie and her husband, Dave, own Full Service Car Wash. Thank you, Angie!
 
Rotary Club of New Berlin, New Berlin RotaryIn addition to solving the mystery, dinner guests were asked to select the best costume among the cast members. The gentleman at right wearing the helmet took first place.
 
Proceeds from the event will support local programs, including the New Berlin Police Department's Midnight Volleyball program, Rotary's World Affairs Seminar (we will sponsor two New Berlin high school students), and the New Berlin school district's music program. We'd like to thank all the guests, donors and volunteers for making this, our 9th annual murder mystery event, a resounding success. (For more images, click on the link under "New Berlin Rotarians in Action" on the home page.)