Sign-ups Underway for Poker Tournament to Benefit Special Olympics

On Aug. 15, the prestigious and beautiful Bay Club Santa Clara will welcome poker aficionados and beginners alike for the third annual Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament, organized by the Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Northern California. Registration is currently open online.

“This is such a fun event with something for everyone,” Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association Board Vice President and event co-organizer Frank Saunders said. “Not only will you have a blast playing or watching poker, but you’ll also know that by attending this event, you’re helping the 16,760 athletes of Special Olympics Northern California.”

The public is cordially invited to participate in the event as a poker player or a spectator/poker beginner. For those looking to play poker, the $75 registration includes $1,000 in chips and they can receive $2,000 in chips for an additional $25. For the beginners or good luck charms, spectator tickets are available for $50. Also featured is a learner’s table, where a professional dealer will teach spectators how to play poker. If a spectator is feeling lucky, they can join the poker tournament for an additional $25 donation.

All attendees receive complementary food and beverages, the chance to bid on silent and live auction items and enjoy music and dancing. The annual event boasts professional dealers at each table provided by Blue Dog events. Evening attire is suggested. Tickets can be purchased at www.TexasHoldEmSO.org.

Event sponsorship is currently available and interested parties may contact Katie Ostrom at KatieO@SONC.org.

Santa Clara officers who are fundraising with this event are part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is the largest year-round fund-raising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Northern California. Officers representing every branch of law enforcement partner with their communities to support Special Olympics Programs through raising funds and public awareness, while enhancing the quality of life of Special Olympics athletes. The officers serve as fundraisers and role models for the athletes.

About Special Olympics Northern California

Special Olympics Northern California is a free year-round sports training and competition program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. There are 16,760 athletes who compete in 160 competitions throughout the region in 11 sports. Included in that figure are 6,500 special education student-athletes who have Special Olympics in the classroom through our Schools Partnership Program. Special Olympics requires the extraordinary support and time of 14,860 volunteers and volunteer coaches. Financial support comes almost exclusively from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations. For more information on Special Olympics Northern California, visit www.SONC.org or join us at www.Facebook.com/SONorCal and www.Twitter.com/SONorCal.

--Submitted by Special Olympics of Northern California