Westfield Lions’ Poker for Sight tournament raises over $17K

“Big Checks” awarded to four organizations

By JEFF LARRISON
Westfield Lions Club

On April 25 and 26, the Westfield Lions held their semi-annual Texas Hold ‘em “Poker for Sight” tournament in Noblesville. Over 220 players competed for $25,000 in prize money, with Adam Hamilton of Fishers coming away with the $10,000 first place check.

This year’s “Poker for Sight” tournament was successfully held despite an unexpected last-minute change in venue. Every year since the tournament started in 2009 the Lions have held it at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. Due to a major renovation project involving the 4-H building, the Lions were informed in early March that they would have to find another location for the April tournament.

Tournament director Mike Birk immediately began scrambling to find an alternative location so that the tournament would not have to be canceled. With some good fortune, Birk was able to work out a rental agreement with Rocky Shanehsaz, owner of the Mill Top, to hold the tournament at the former Legacy Bible Church on Greenfield Avenue in Noblesville.

Shanehsaz went above and beyond, making sure the facility was ready for the tournament and the Lions had everything they needed to hold it. His assistance was instrumental in the tournament being a huge success.

Players playing during Qualifying Session No. 1. (Photo provided by Westfield Lions Club)

At the beginning of each of the three qualifying sessions, and prior to the championship session, the Lions presented $1,500 “Big Checks” to well-deserving organizations in the community. The Friday morning check went to Girls, Inc., a national organization with a chapter in Indianapolis that promotes leadership skills and provides encouragement and support for girls and young women. This organization is recognized as a critical building block for strong, independent women. For more information on Girls, Inc. and how you can support them, go to girlsinc.org.

Lion Jeff Larrison and Jade Stone of Girls, Inc. (Photo provided by Westfield Lions Club)

The second Big Check was awarded to the Indiana Diabetes Youth Camp – a facility near and dear to the Lions’ hearts. Besides there being a worldwide effort on Lions Clubs International’s part to fight the causes of diabetes and assist those suffering from it, the Westfield Lions have worked closely with the camp leaders over the years to help prepare the facility for campers each spring. The youth camp is a wonderful opportunity for children suffering from diabetes to be able to enjoy some of the same experiences other youth are able to. You can help support the camp and these children by going to dyfi.org.

Lions Jeff Larrison and Mark Hallett of Indiana Diabetes Youth Camp. (Photo provided by Westfield Lions Club)

Student Impact of Westfield also received a Big Check during the tournament. This is another organization that the Lions have a long history of supporting. Student Impact offers a number of programs and opportunities for students in the fifth through 12^th grades in Westfield. Before and after school programs provide meals, mentoring, and a chance for kids to build friendships with each other. This is all done at no cost to the students and their families. To find out more about the amazing things Student Impact is doing, go to therockwestfield.org.

The final Big Check was presented to the Leader Dogs for the Blind organization. Ever since Helen Keller challenged Lions Clubs International in 1925 to be “Knights of the Blind,” Lions around the world have worked to support efforts to eliminate the causes of blindness, support those affected by it, and provide eye exams and glasses to those that cannot afford them. The Leader Dog program, located in Rochester, Mich., trains dogs that help give individuals suffering from blindness the opportunity to live a normal life. This life-changing organization provides the dogs at no charge to those in need. Go to leaderdog.org to find out how you can support this program.

The top 25 players left in the Championship Round. (Photo provided by Westfield Lions Club)

About the Westfield Lions
The Westfield Lions is a service organization that was chartered in 1930 and continues to be an active member of the community. To find out more about the Lions and how to become a member, go to WestfieldLions.org.