It was all smiles at the Fourth Annual Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament for Special Olympics Northern California on Aug. 28.
Held at Santa Clara’s The Bay Club, for the second year in a row, the event, organized by the Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association to raise money for SONC and support Olympians as they fulfill their Olympic dreams.
For a $75 buy-in participants got $1,000 in chips, and for $100 buy-in, $2,000 in chips. Fifty dollar spectator passes allowed even those who didn’t gamble to enjoy the evening.
The evening wasn’t just about poker. Guests heard from Special Olympians and key sponsors, and the dance floor opened at 9:00 p.m. There was also a silent auction featuring a San Francisco 49ers package with two seats to the 49ers’ opening night, VIP parking passes, Legacy Club access, pre-game field access and a voucher for Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak and Pub, and a Luke Bryan concert package donated by KRTY.
The Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament’s growth has made it possible for an increasing number of athletes to participate. In 2013, the tournament raised over $40,000, and the last two events have raised over $50,000 for SONC.
“I’m so proud of my baby brother, Frank Saunders,” said Shari Souza on Facebook. “Another great Special Olympics poker tourney fundraiser he put on. Always bigger and better.” Other guests shared similar sentiments, praising SCPD for its efforts and continued support of Special Olympics and Special Olympians.
Throughout the year, SCPD participates in multiple fundraising activities for SONC, including Tip-A-Cop evenings – where officers serve drinks and food at participating restaurants – and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
For additional information and a list of upcoming events, visit www.sonc.org.