Legion bets poker will draw new crowd
The Fox River-Geneva American Legion Post 75 hopes to be a big winner with Texas Hold 'Em poker tournaments.
The legion is optimistic that the card game, which has enjoyed a surge in popularity, will draw a younger crowd to what has traditionally been a bastion of World War II and Korean War veterans.
The poker games, which are awaiting final approval from the Geneva City Council in early April, will be added to the post's lineup of fundraising activities this summer. The organization provides services to veterans and their families in the community.
"It's no secret that veterans' legions all around are losing membership," said Post Commander Dan Clark. "Our members have been the older generation from World War II and Korea, but we need to start pulling in veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan -- the younger veterans. "
The post had traditionally held bingo games as fundraisers.
"Bingo appealed to a different generation," Clark explained. "The Texas Hold 'Em seems to be something that is catching on with other nonprofits. It seems to appeal to younger vets."
Clark said he spoke with two other American Legions and other nonprofit organizations that are successfully using Texas Hold 'Em to raise funds.
State law allows nonprofit organizations to hold up to four gaming events per year, Clark said.
Post officials met with Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns to discuss the possibility of holding the poker games, which would require an amendment to city codes that prohibit gambling within the city. The post also applied for a license to serve alcohol at the events. The requests were brought up at this week's city council meeting.
Burns supports the effort.
"It's a struggle out there for many organizations to draw in members," he said. "Anything that we can do will help them draw in crowds and continue to serve the community."
The legion contributes funds to provide housing for families of hospitalized veterans, shelter services for homeless veterans, scholarships and other services.
Major fundraisers include the Swedish Days beer garden, turkey raffle and Friday-night dinners.
The Geneva City Council will vote on the post's request at its April 7 meeting.