Mike Wilson, Bill Cox, George Hobeich and the other members of the Angel Men's Club hope to see Tucson go all-in to support the club's Third Annual Texas Hold 'Em Poker Party to benefit St. Elizabeth's Health Center and In My Shoes Inc.
"This is not your typical poker tournament. We get a lot of first-time poker players. We have a beginner's table and get the mellowest dealer to help them along, and by the time they move to the other tables they feel like they can whip anyone. It is a fun program," said Cox, a founder of the Men's Club who is helping event co-chairmen Wilson and Alan Michaels.
Bluffing is not only fun, but makes for good fundraising; the event has raised more than $90,000 in the past four years to benefit charities supported by Angel Charity for Children.
The Angel Men's Club formed in 2004 to aid Angel Charity's various tasks and coordination of the Ante Up for Angel fundraising poker tournament. The Men's Club eventually decided to stage its own poker party with all proceeds funneled directly to Angel Charity's chosen beneficiaries. Funds raised this year will go to In My Shoes Inc. and St. Elizabeth's Health Center and Dental Program, which provides dental care for 750 uninsured and underserved patients each month and is seeking to double services for patients 18 and younger.
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In My Shoes Inc. was created six years ago to provide peer-mentoring to ensure that young people in foster care are supported through their transitional years. Mentoring is provided in one-on-one and group sessions by staff, mentors and club facilitators who have experienced foster care and have insight into challenges facing the youths, according to Executive Director Christa Drake.
"It can be a real benefit for them to be around someone who has aged out of the foster care system who can be a positive role model," Drake said.
One-on-one mentors spend at least eight hours monthly with mentees beginning at age 16. They offer guidance and assist the youths in accessing resources that develop life skills and build educational, financial, mental and spiritual support. Drake said this window of time prepares the young people to care for themselves when they are no longer wards of the state at age 18. The mentors and mentees often form lasting relationships.
"Many matches become family and are there as support always," Drake said.
Drake said Angel Charity's support for In My Shoes extends beyond financial stewardship, offering positive reinforcement to everyone involved with the organization.
"We have amazing mentors and youth who come through our door and don't think they are worthy. Foster care does that to you. You have been abandoned so many times you don't feel good enough for the things you have. So for Angel Charity to have chosen us is an honor that gives us more credibility and provides a light telling our mentors, youth and staff that we are worthy and deserving," she said.
Wilson said the Angel Men's Club is happy to contribute to the young nonprofit organization. Having received foster care himself as an infant, he believes strongly in its value to the community.
"It is kind of a low-key charity, and they really need that money and that recognition," Wilson said.
If You Go
Texas Hold 'Em Poker Party
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.
Where: Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch, 5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Road .
Cost: $300 per person buy-in; $1,000 for a group of five;
$60 for guests who don't join the game but want to enjoy dinner and play the roulette wheel.
For more information or reservations, send an e-mail to cheryl@tripleccc.com or call Bill Cox at 481-9901.
For more information on In My Shoes, go online to www.inmyshoesinc.org call 747-1533.
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