Hickory Poker Showdown:  The "Raffle" Charity Poker Tournament

 September 2006

With the explosion of poker on TV, in bars, in homes, even on cell phones, it should be no surprise that the nonprofit cashes in, too.  Many nonprofits have found new and creative ways to get around state gambling laws.

One such group is Junior Achievement in Catawba County.  Their event, the Hickory Poker Showdown, will hold its seventh Poker Tournament in September at the Lake Hickory Country Club.  Junior Achievement is the local chapter of a national nonprofit which teaches young people about economics and business.   

For a suggested donation of $100 per player, depending on when a person registers, players get a seat in the game and food and soft drinks, including fajitas.  The festivities begin with dinner at 6 p.m. and the dealers deal promptly at 7 p.m. The competition continues until one person collects all of the chips, or until around midnight.

Mark Griesen, one of the organizers, said in 2005 that players "won't win money.  Each person who plays will get a raffle ticket, and during the night we will have drawings for prizes that have been donated. The winners will get a very nice trophy.  At the final table you'll get at least a plaque.  We will raffle off the nicer prizes later in the night.  This will be an evening of fun to test your skills against other players without going online."

Because raffles are specifically allowed under NC law and winning from poker is not, this is a creative way for nonprofits to raise funds. 

For more information, see (828) 322-7579 or www.hickorypokershowdown.org.