Aviation Museum: You’ll hit lucky 007 at Wine, Wings & Winnings tribute to Bond

Reservations (only $40 each in advance) are now being accepted and sponsors still sought for this celebration of all things “Bond, James Bond.”

It was 60 years ago that Ian Fleming, a former British Intelligence Agent, introduced suave, sophisticated and sexy Bond, AKA 007. “’Casino Royale’ is the book that started it all,” said Museum Event Coordinator Judy McCarthy. 

First published in 1953, a dozen bestselling novels and 23 blockbuster films later James Bond and his exploits as a British Secret Service Agent - including his supporting cast of characters - have become the stuff of legend. And that includes the Bond lifestyle of martinis - “shaken, not stirred” - beautiful women, luxurious cars and tuxedos, although Bond wears a bathing suit as elegantly as black tie.

The May 18th Wine, Wings & Winnings starts at 6 p.m., with Casino Royale opening at 7:30 p.m. and featuring an array of celebrity dealers. McCarthy noted the annual fundraiser has a strong reputation for being “a fun-filled evening, including our always eclectic Silent Auction and the Casino Night,” where guests will be able to gamble away with their $500 in fun money to purchase chips, included in the ticket price. 

And, unless they break the bank at Monte Carlo, guests will be able to purchase more chips to continue playing Craps, Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em, Roulette or “challenge our celebrity dealers at Blackjack. Since it’s not real money,” said McCarthy, “bet the limit, have fun. Everyone is a winner here!”