On Tuesday, March 8th, 100 players kicked off Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island’s (BBBSLI) 2016 Poker & Networking Series at “Poker Night”. The event, sponsored by Mineola Lions Club, was held at The Main Event in Farmingdale and raised more than $23,000. Proceeds from “Poker Night” directly support BBBSLI’s mentoring program and will assist the agency in its efforts to recruit more male volunteers for the 180 boys currently waiting for Big Brothers.
“The message tonight was that we’re laser-focused on recruiting big brothers. We need big brothers because more than 180 families have raised their hands to say they want help for their sons, and they’re all waiting for big brothers,” said BBBSLI Director of Development Jamison Skala. He explained to attendees, “These families have reached out to us because their sons are “at-risk”. They’re at-risk of choosing alcohol/drugs over saying no. They’re at-risk of choosing gang-life instead of sports or other extra-curricular activities. They’re at-risk of choosing to drop out of high school rather than graduate. But Big Brothers change the game. Big Brothers help make those tough decisions easier. Big Brothers change lives”.
Chris Kane revealed the championship hand at the coveted final table. David Tan and Mateo Vila finished in 2nd and 3rd Place, respectively. The top PRIZE was a $2,500 Traveler’s Choice Voucher. Second prize was NY Knicks game tickets and the third place winner received a Wine & Spirits getaway for two at Hotel Indigo.
A very special thank you to the event’s presenting sponsor, Mineola Lions Club and our table sponsors which included: CHIPS Technology Group, Clair Bartholomew & Sons Funeral Home, Gerard Kane, KeyBank, Merrick Madmen, Mineola Lions Club, Organized Momentum and Steve Madden.
Thanks also goes to those companies and individuals who donated prizes for the tournament: Allshows.com, Courtyard Travel, Hotel Indigo, LI Picture Frame, PC Richards, Red Door Spa and Steve Madden.
