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Area residents didn't have to
travel out of state to get a little taste of Las Vegas last month
when the United Way of Marion County held the Texas Holdem Poker
Tournament at Golden Ocala.
A new craze in parties around the country, the tournament brought in
a crowd of about 175 who enjoyed fine food, dancing and
entertainment. The silent auction alone raised about $8,000 toward
the evening's total of $27,500 which will go to the United Way's
campaign goal this year, set between $2.5 and 3 million.
But the big draw was playing the game, and 130
Texas Holdem
players participated. As rounds
began and ended, players advanced and although Ron Ewers held the
lead for most of the games, it was late player John Paglia who won
out in the end.
"It was a great event," said Michael Waddell, vice president of
resource development for United Way. "We didn't set a dress code,
and there were people wearing everything from business casual to
upscale. We had furs, evening gowns and 10-gallon hats. It really
had that Vegas feel."
The
Texas Holdem
tournament was originally
considered for next year, but committee members decided that because
of the popularity of the event nationally, it should happen in Ocala
this year.
"With the hurricanes and all, we had 120 days to put it together,"
Waddell said. "We were very happy with the turnout, and there were
some new faces, which is a good thing."
Although the tournament ended around 10 that evening, Waddell said
people were there long afterward, talking and enjoying themselves.
"When I walked out at 11:30, people were still hanging out. I call
that a win," he said. Apparently so does the committee, which has
already set a date of Oct. 22 for next year's tournament.
Attendees of this year's fund-raiser were given decks of playing
cards, cigars and other goodies, although there is no official list
to be published. After all, like Las Vegas, what happens at Golden
Ocala stays at Golden Ocala.
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