The 10th Annual Hold ‘Em Not Hassle ‘Em Poker Tournament was held at The Tournament Players Club Saturday, bringing many to put on their poker face and raise funds for the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project.
“Tonight is just people trying to raise money and win prizes and play poker for the night,” said Kim Goldman, the Executive Director of the Youth Project.
Goldman, who has been running the Youth Project for 12 years, said the event had a fundraising goal of $25,000.
“For me to be able to continue to provide free services to teenagers in this valley and connect the community with what we do is incredibly important so that our community knows that we’re looking out for our kids,” she said.
Many of the event’s attendees turned out to support the cause, but it didn’t hurt that supporting the cause also meant a night of poker.
“It’s fun, my whole family comes out,” said attendee Craig Nilson.
“We all play, it’s great.”
Local business owner Scott Schauer was less focused on the game.
“If I can help make a little difference for one or two kids it’s worth coming out,” he said.
Among Saturday night’s tournament prizes were an autographed Magic Johnson Laker Jersey, Green Room passes to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and a Takimine acoustic guitar autographed by guitarist and songwriter George Lynch.
The event also featured a casino complete with Pai Gow and Blackjack.
The Youth Project’s mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where teens and their families are strengthened, empowered and equipped with the tools they need to live successful and healthy lives, according to the nonprofit organization’s website.
For more information about the SCV Youth project, visit them online.
