South Elgin parks group plans no limit Texas Hold Em tournament
After a three-year hiatus, the South Elgin Parks and Recreation FUNdation is ready to go "all in" again.
The charitable group, in conjunction with the South Elgin Lions Club, will host a No Limit Texas Hold Em' Tournament on Feb. 13.
The tax-deductible entry fee is $125 and includes a buy-in along with food for the evening.
The top winner will take home a prize package worth more than $1,000, including $250 cash.
Kim Wascher, superintendent of South Elgin's parks, said the last poker tournament was held in December 2005.
"We decided to take a break from it for a bit," she said, adding organizers decided to relaunch the event because poker's popularity proved to be more than a passing fad.
Wascher said past event usually netted about $4,000 for the FUNdation; this time around, proceeds will be split between it and the Lions Club.
The deadline to register is Feb. 10 and no walk-ins will be accepted.
Registration must be done in person at the Parks and Recreation office at 10 N. Water St. Participants must bring a photo ID along with their check or cash. A tax-deductible letter will be provided upon request, but no credit cards will be accepted.
Check-in is at 5:30 p.m. at the Lions Club, 500 Fulton St., South Elgin, and entry is limited to 104 players of which the top nine get paid out.
All players will begin with $3,000 in chips with blinds starting at $25/$50 and increasing every 30 minutes until a winner is crowned. There will be a $10 entrance fee for spectators, which will include food. A cash bar will be available.
A full tournament is 104 players with the top nine getting paid.
Wascher said organizers don't believe the poker tournament date, which is the night before Valentine's Day, will hurt attendance. She said past tournaments all filled up.
"We're pretty close to the same dates we had in the past," Wascher said.
For more information, call (847) 622-0003 or visit fundation.org.
Save the date: Do you know what the significance of Jan. 26 is?
For the Chicago Bears fans out there, myself included, it's the 23rd anniversary of Super Bowl XX when the greatest football team ever crushed the New England Patriots 46-10.
For Elginites, it's the deadline to enter nominations to the Elgin Image Advisory Commission for the group's annual Image Awards.
The March 12 event at the Centre recognizes individuals, businesses or organizations that have had a positive impact on Elgin.
There are several categories for the awards: Individual/Professional, Individual/Volunteer, Projects (such as special events, fundraising projects and neighborhood improvements), and Organizations or Businesses.
In addition to the Image Awards, the commission also presents a Citizenship award.
Nomination forms may be filled out at cityofelgin.org.
If you need a printed application form or have questions, call Sue Olafson, Elgin public information officer, at (847) 931-5601.