Nearly 300 men, women and children came out to enjoy the weather, poker, food, live music and fun, as well as to support a great cause. The event kicked off with 118 people eagerly awaiting the “Shuffle up and deal!” call from party-host Nancy Cartwright. The action was fast and furious, with more than 100 people remaining beyond the rebuy period. But when the dust finally settled, it was a tie for first place as Doug Dohring and our very own Peter Kjenaas split top honors.

After duking it out for some time, they decided to call a truce and split top honors. Doug was a first-time attendee of the party and Peter has won or shared first place for two years running. Doug will be attending the PALS Monte Carlo poker fundraiser on October 3 for his efforts and Peter will head off to try his luck in Brad Garrett’s benefit on May 30th.
Others who made it to the final table won custom jewelry from Val Futris and Arbonne products provided by Doris Ryan or, for the risk-takers, there were NASCAR Racing packages courtesy of Speed School X at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale.

For those not playing poker, there was wonderful food, live music, a bounce house for the kids (and kids at heart) and even bingo. With a little something for everyone, it is no surprise the party was a fantastic success. Co-Executive Director for Happy House, Carol Loweree, said of the event, “Any day you can raise over $10,000 for a great cause, and have that much fun doing so, is a good day.”

Thank you to our many volunteers who made the event possible and, of course, thank you to everyone who attended. Events are nothing without the people who attend them.