Delaware North-owned-and-operated Jumer’s Casino & Hotel in Rock Island, Ill., brought home the Best Martini award at this year’s Martini Shakeoff, held Feb. 19 by the HAVlife Foundation.
The award-winning cocktail – a strawberry shortcake martini – consisted of strawberry puree, Triple Berry Pearl Vodka and simple syrup, and was topped with fresh-whipped cream and shortcake.
This marked the second year in a row that Jumer’s – one of 20 local establishments to participate – has won an award at the event.
Each participant had the opportunity to enter in one or all of the designated martini categories: Classic, 
Fruit, Dessert and Bartender’s Choice. Each entry was then judged by a panel, with winners being announced at the end of the evening.
In all, the HAVlife Foundation’s Martini Shakeoff brought in more than $100,000 and a crowd of 2,000.
Established in 2007, HAVlife is a charitable foundation that works to eliminate “lost potential” in youth. Through HAVlife, children are given the opportunity to participate in music, arts, and athletic programs.
Pictured (L to R) are Chris Remaly, Melissa Armes, Shawn Timmerman, Kelsey Wilson, JR Greenwood and Stefanie DeHaven.
