The 13th annual Texas Hold’ Em tournament in Homewood on Feb. 4 will be a lucky night for poker players eligible to win $5,000 in cash and prizes.
Of course the real winner is the Cancer Support Center, which benefits from the popular annual fundraiser, held at Balagio Ristorante, 17501 Dixie Highway. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. The games start at 5: 30 p.m., and a winning table is announced around 11 p.m.
The event draws lots of friends who appreciate the chance to get together and play poker, said Brent Bachus, a member of the center’s Community Board, which organizes the tournament.
He said participants range from those who are experienced to first-time players. “Everyone is here to have fun,” he said.
Players pay $175 and register in advance at cancersupportcenter.org. For spectators who want to watch the action unfold, the cost is $50. The amount covers an all-you-can-eat buffet, an open bar and poker chips. Anyone who wants additional chips can buy them for $150. All participants must be at least 18 years old, according to the Illinois law on charitable gaming.
This Texas Hold’em tourney is traditionally held the night before the Super Bowl, and participants can buy squares for that, too, Bachus said.
The goal is to raise funds for the Cancer Support Center, which provides support free of charge to people whose lives have been impacted by cancer and their families.
“And the center doesn’t receive any federal funding,” Bachus said. “So these are pretty important dollars.”
To register in advance, click here.
