Raising the Stakes for Good: Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County's Thrilling Poker Tournament

In an exciting fusion of competition and charity, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County hosted their 12th annual No Limit Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, drawing a crowd of 120 enthusiastic players. The event, which unfolded on June 27 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower, was not just about the thrill of the game but also about the noble cause it supported, raising a remarkable $52,500 for the club's vital programs.

Key Takeaways:

• The tournament attracted 120 participants and raised $52,500 to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County.
• Proceeds from the event will support the After-school Program and Summer Enrichment Camp, catering to youth ages six through 18.
• Brad Dohack and Jordan Drew were declared co-winners after a spirited game, with Troy Perkins securing third place.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour, setting the stage for a night of strategic gameplay and camaraderie. As the cards were dealt and the stakes rose, so did the spirit of generosity, culminating in Brad Dohack and Jordan Drew being named co-winners, while Troy Perkins clinched the third spot.

The funds raised from this event are earmarked for the enhancement of the Boys & Girls Clubs' After-school Program and Summer Enrichment Camp. These initiatives play a crucial role in the development of Lee County's youth, offering programs that focus on education and career readiness, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation.

Denise Gergley, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County, emphasized the significance of the poker tournament as a key fundraising event. She highlighted how the generated revenue not only supports the core programs but also enables the provision of scholarships to extend the reach to more families, ensuring that more children and teens can benefit from these enriching experiences.

The event saw generous support from the community, with Scanlon Auto Group leading as the World Champion Sponsor. They were joined by a host of other sponsors, including Tomahawk Construction, Geraghty Stockman Attorneys at Law, LMCU, First Horizon, Quattrone & Associates, Barron Collier Companies, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Total Electric, all contributing to the event's success and, by extension, the well-being of the youth served by the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Since its establishment in 1974, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County have been steadfast in their mission to empower all young people, especially those in greatest need, to achieve their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Through a variety of programs centered around education, leadership, health, the arts, and sports, the nonprofit continues to make a significant impact on the lives of children and teens in the community.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County and how you can support their mission, visit BGClee.org or call 239-334-1886. This event not only showcased the community's commitment to its youth but also demonstrated how combining passion with purpose can lead to meaningful outcomes, making it a true win-win for all involved.