Poker tournament aims to raise funds for charity

An event modeled after the World Series of Poker is one its planners hope will benefit the world. \nAll proceeds from the upcoming Indiana Poker Showdown will go toward the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, an organization that assists families in the Dominican Republic with housing, water and health and educational services. \nThe tournament, which planners call "the biggest charity poker tournament in southern Indiana," starts 10 a.m. Saturday at the Indiana Memorial Union. \nOrganizers from the Latino Graduate Student Association, the event's sponsor, expect between 200 and 300 participants. Some players will travel from as far as Chicago and Atlanta, said Antonio Garcia, the event's coordinator and LGSA's secretary. \nThe top 10 winners in the main draw will receive prize packages, including cigars, flasks, watches, casino and golf gift certificates and poker sets. Additionally, the best five women in the main draw will earn prizes, including a Victoria's Secret gift certificate, tanning spa gift certificates and jewelry. \nAll participants will receive a gift bag, and they will be eligible to receive giveaways like an IU basketball jersey. Most prizes were donated. \nThough LGSA boasts the event will draw some top poker talent from around the area, members stress the field will include "novice recreational players." \n"You don't have to be a poker player to play the game," said LGSA member Yamir Gonzalez.\nThe entry fee is $25 for students and $35 for nonstudents. Garcia encourages all interested participants to sign up between 8 and 10 a.m. the day of the tournament. \nGarcia said he hopes the event will raise $5,000 for the CFCF.\n"But we'll be happy if we get more," he said. \nLillian Casillas, director of La Casa Latino Cultural Center, said events like the poker tournament help unify the Latino community. \n"It's making us realize that we have a responsibility worldwide," she said. \nFor more information on the Indiana Poker Showdown, visit the Web site at www.geocities.com/inpokershowdown.