“This is a must-attend event for any poker player,” said Justin Stockman, event chair and Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County board member. “Registered players will get a chance to compete against some of the best poker players in town while supporting our community’s youth and their futures. We’re looking forward to sharing the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs with all who attend while having a good time.”
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. immediately followed by the tournament at 6 p.m. Players are asked to arrive early and be seated before the start of the tournament. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided. The tournament will include more than $3,000 in cash and prizes.
The entry for the tournament will be a donation of $100 per person if purchased in the month of May, $125 if purchased in the month of June and $150 if purchased the day of the event at the door. All other guests not participating in the tournament will be $25 each.
According to Stockman, all event proceeds will benefit the BGCLC’s Summer Enrichment Programs that address the “summer learning loss” experienced by at-risk and underserved youth. With the funds, the Clubs will be able to provide academically focused activities to ensure more than 400 of its members continue to make positive gains in their education and high-yield learning opportunities to promote creativity and participation in the arts. Free, nutritious lunches and snacks will also be provided daily during the camps to keep tummies full and minds sharp, while daily recreation and sports sessions will help youth stay active and healthy.
“While our Clubs are commonly known to provide positive after-school programs to the community’s at-risk youth, we also continue our mission to inspire and enable these young people even through the summer months when academic retention is critical,” said Shannon Lane, chief professional officer of the BGCLC. “Unfortunately, when school doors close, many children struggle to access educational opportunities as well as basic needs such as healthy meals and adequate adult supervision. Our Clubs are where those kids need to be, spending their summer days engaging in educational activities and other programs that we ensure create positive outcomes for our members both in school and the community.”
Space for the tournament is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register, visit www.bgclcpoker.org. Registration will be based on a first-come, first-serve basis. No player substitutions will be permitted. Players must be 21 years old or older to play.
This year’s event is presented by Scanlon Auto Group, Encore Bank, UBS – Charlie Todd, Investors’ Security Trust, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., Chris-Tel Construction and Fireservice, Inc. Additional sponsorship opportunities for the event, ranging from $250 to $3,000, are still available. For more information about the available sponsorships, contact Shannon Lane at 239-334-1886 or slane@bgclc.net, or visit www.bgclcpoker.org.
Celebrating almost 41 years of providing quality youth programs and brighter futures for young people in the Lee County community, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County works to inspire and enable young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The BGCLC strives to provide a safe, world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through its doors. The organization envisions all of its members graduating high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character, citizenship while adapting a healthy lifestyle.
The area’s five Clubs are located in communities with the greatest need where similar services are limited or nonexistent. Membership dues are $10 per school year so that all children can have access to its programs. The BGCLC relies upon the philanthropic support of individuals, corporations and foundations in order to sustain and grow its services.
For more information about the BGCLC, visit www.bgclc.net.
