Marshall Rotary Club to host Texas Hold 'em poker tournament

Registration begins at 5:45 p.m., and the tournament kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the final table of six players, based on participation numbers, according to a news release from the organization.

David Keuhn, who spearheads the event, said Rotary started the tournament because it was looking for a fundraiser that would be a little different from the usual. And given the popularity of Texas Hold 'em, it seemed the obvious choice.

"Our hope was to have a fundraiser that would get away from the typical serving of a meal and be a fun evening for everyone involved," he said. "We hoped to be able to raise money for local charities that the community and players could be proud to support."

Keuhn said the Jan. 20 event is the fifth tournament, but just the third to have both an event champion and a Rotary player champion. He sees the tournament as a cure for cabin fever.

"We experimented the initial year with what was the best time of year to have the tournament, and found that early winter, after the holidays, seemed to work, as more players were available and looking for a chance to get out of the house on a winter evening.

Although profits from the event have gone to several organizations, including Butterfield Youth Services and Salt Fork YMCA, donations to the local food pantry and to the heating assistance program are very popular.

"These two entities have been popular with our players in the past, who have seemed to be pleased with supporting such needed programs," Keuhn pointed out.

Keuhn said Rotary has been pleased with the steady increase in popularity of the tournament.

"Our numbers of players has continued to increase. We work to keep our expenses very low, with a main goal of raising money ... while being able to pay out enough prize money to keep it motivating for the players."

The 2011 event raised $700 to be given to local organizations, and still paid prize money at about a 40 percent rate, including the first prize of $150.

"The more players we have, the better," he said. "I've been very happy with the groups of players we have had. We welcome everyone from the most experienced player to the newest rookie."