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Long hours go into an event that has gained huge popularity over the years, and as a result organizers are calling the 5th annual Main Event Poker Tournament last Saturday night at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena another huge success.
The tournament, co-hosted by the South Pasadena Middle School Boosters Club and the D.U.D.E.S. – Dads Uniting Dads in Education and Service – takes place after about six months of planning by some highly dedicated volunteers.
Working tirelessly behind the scenes were co-chairs, Bill Buckley from the SPMS Boosters and Martin Albornoz from D.U.D.E.S., and a team of workers responsible for locking down the date, putting all the vendors and sponsors into place and getting people to fill the seats for the giant poker party.The SPMS Boosters meet monthly during the school year to promote athletics at the local middle school while the D.U.D.E.S., just like their name implies, are a group of good-natured and helpful guys who go out and make the community better for South Pasadena kids and neighbors through service projects, fundraisers, and community building events.
The Main Event Poker Tournament falls under the latter category as all the tables inside the War Memorial Building were packed, helped by a strong marketing campaign.
“It was a success once again because the people of South Pasadena show up to have a great time and they give very generously,” explained D.U.D.E.S. President Ed Donnelly, who launched the organization in 2012 with five other South Pasadenans. “That generosity extends to our sponsors as well –The City of South Pasadena, Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza, Craftsman Brewing, the South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF), the SouthPasadenan.com and the Green Street Café.”
Adding to the mix, Donnelly says the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee provides decorative casino night decor and other supplies to enhance the evening full of fun.
In the end, organizers say $19,000 was raised from this year’s event after a lot of work from, well, a bunch of dudes, some of the best you’ll ever want to meet.
Those with a local cause just might find these guys at the door ready to lend a hand.
“The D.U.D.E.S. harnesses the energy and enthusiasm of local dads to help other groups in our community including the PTA, SPMS Boosters, the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee, The South Pasadena Preservation Foundation and more,” explained Donnelly, proud of the organization that likes to help.
And make a difference for others.
