Jasper鈥檚 poker stars are invited to play their luck in a Texas Hold鈥檈m tournament organized by the Jasper Victim Services Unit, Nov. 23.
The event welcomes all skill levels, from the seasoned card slingers to the fresh-faced newcomers.
鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty varied,鈥� said Paul Schmidt, JVSU coordinator. 鈥淭here鈥檚 people who have played in a tournament before and people that have played a little bit with friends and there鈥檚 also people who have just recently learned.鈥�
In past tournaments, between 35 and 45 players donned their best poker faces for the chance to win Visa gift cards.
Schmidt said, although it鈥檚 a fundraiser for the unit, the value of the tournament is keeping victim services in the forefront of people鈥檚 minds.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about public awareness,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f somebody is a victim in the future, at least if they鈥檝e heard the name victim services, they鈥檙e more likely to say, 鈥極K, I accept a referral,鈥� which is good because if we don鈥檛 get that chance to talk to them, then we don鈥檛 get to support them.鈥�
JVSU provides services to victims of crime or trauma in Jasper National Park. Schmidt and volunteer advocates offer informal emotional support and assistance, secure temporary housing and transportation, make referrals to appropriate agencies and organizations and help with court preparation.
The funds raised by the unit through events like this weekend鈥檚 poker tournament go toward helping those victims, covering the cost of transportation, lodging or food.
The tournament has a $50 cover charge. Half of the proceeds from the event go toward prizes, while the remaining funds go toward the unit. In past years, tournaments have raised between $800 and $1,000.
To register for the tournament, email Schmidt at [email protected] or call him at 852-2275.
Nicole Veerman
[email protected]
