Poker event raises $3,600 despite low attendance

While some were willing to risk the snowy roads and sidewalks leading to the Indiana Memorial Union, most people thought the trip might be too much of a gamble. \nOnly about 75 people showed up for the Indiana Poker Showdown Saturday morning, much less than the 200 to 300 participants that planners had hoped for, but Antonio Garcia, the event's planner, said he is pleased with the amount of money the event raised. \nThe event, which planners called "the biggest charity poker event in southern Indiana," raised more than $3,600 dollars for the Cigar Family Charity Foundation, an organization that assists families in the Dominican Republic with housing, water and health and educational services. Garcia had hoped the event would raise $5,000 for the charity, but, given the turnout, he said he was pleased. \n"We were really shocked that that many people showed up," Garcia said. "I think the weather had a tremendous effect with (the turnout)."\nThe event was sponsored by the Latino Graduate Student Association. Garcia serves as the LGSA's secretary. \nOther LGSA members thought the event was a success. \n"I thought it was good," said LGSA member Rachel Gonzalez during the event. "We've been very busy."\nDuring the tournament, participants were allowed a $25 re-buy to continue playing and a chance to add on more poker chips for $20, $30 and $50. Garcia said he thinks the funds raised from the re-buys and add-ons helped combat the low turnout. \nSophomore Jonathan Morvay is one player who bought more chips after one of his competitors "got lucky."\n"I played it very well," he said. "This guy called me with a very crappy hand."\nMorvay was also a competitor who wasn't deterred by the weather.\n"I didn't even know it was snowing already," he said. \nFor future events, Garcia said he hopes the setup of the tournament will compel players to return and persuade others to compete.\n"We tried to set up a professional-style tournament so they get a sense of what it's like to be in a casino," Garcia said.\nGarcia and other officials patrolled the grounds of the tournament, making sure it ran smoothly. Garcia also controlled a clock that informed players how many people were in the tournament, how many chips were still in play and how long they had until their bets had to increase. \n"Most of them have been pretty impressed with the way we put it together," Garcia said. \nBut Morvay thought the setup was "weird" because some competitors were allowed to re-buy and add on.\n"I play a lot of poker," he said. "I didn't know if I wanted to (play in the tournament) because it's a $25 buy-in, but you can't actually win money," he said.