Westfield Lions Poker pulls players from across continent

The Westfield Lions Club’s first Poker for Sight Tournament in two years was a “roaring” success – Lion-pun intended.

Over 350 players from all over North America came together at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19 and 20 to participate in what is believed to be the largest charity poker competition in the Midwest.

The last Poker for Sight tournament was in November 2019, as the pandemic forced the Lions to temporarily shutter all Poker for Sight events.

The Saturday night championship round of the Poker for Sight tournament. (Photo provided by Westfield Lions Club)

“It certainly has been a challenge,” said Lion Mike Birk, Poker for Sight chairman. “Because of the very nature of poker, players need to be close to one another, nine to a table. We have done everything possible to make it safe for everyone. The Lions want to thank all our competitors. This was a great tournament.”

The Poker for Sight series constitutes the largest fundraising efforts of the year for the Westfield Lions.

“Yes, it is nice getting back to normal,” Birk said. “Frankly, our piggy bank was getting pretty light, but this will get us moving for the community again. It is what Lions do: We give way more that we receive, and that is a great feeling. The Lions motto is ‘We Serve,’ and we will.”

In what has become a tradition, the Westfield Lions present a donation at the start of each of three-qualification rounds to a local charity. This year, Westfield’s Open Doors, Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana (HVAF), and Third Phase of Noblesville were presented with $1,000 each from the Lions.

The Lions were proud to present the winner’s check for $10,000 to Jack Dick, a Canadian citizen, after he survived until the end. Texas Hold’em is truly a game of prevailing to be the last man standing, and the taking of all the chips.

About the Lions

Lions Clubs International is a non-political service organization of over 1.7 million members worldwide, established originally in 1917 in Chicago by Melvin Jones. It now has over 46,000 local clubs in more than 200 countries. The Lions’ motto is “We serve.” Local Lions Club programs include sight conservation, hearing and speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues, and many other programs.