Rotary’s ‘All in for Kids’ Texas Hold’em Poker Tourney a Win-Win for All

By FRANCES SHARPE | Editor-in-Chief and Photos by RICH SCHMITT | Staff photographer

More than 60 locals anted up, doubled down and even went “all in” at the Rotary Club’s second annual ‘All in for Kids’ Texas Hold’em fundraiser on Saturday, May 9.

Merv Dunn won the tournament and took the top prize of the night.

The poker tournament, which raised funds for the Palisades-Malibu YMCA and the Rotary Club, featured a buffet dinner catered by Vittorio’s.

The Dealer Dolls (dealerdolls.com) kept the action flowing at the tables at the event, which was held at the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church.

Past Rotary president and Marquez Knolls resident Dick Meyer got knocked out of play early, but still called the night a “big win” for the community.

Meyer, the former pastor of Palisades Lutheran and a Rotary Club member since 1975, said funds raised from the poker tournament will be used to support various youth scholarships, among other things.

He encourages any community member to come to a Rotary Club breakfast to find out more about the service organization. The club meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m.

“Just email me (richzmeyer@aol.com) and you can come as my guest,” Meyer said.

The Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades thanks the following event sponsors: Marie Tran, Marie’s Mac & PC Computer Services; Dr. Damon Raskin, Internal Medicine/Addiction Medicine/Concierge Medicine; W.I. Simonson Mercedes Benz; Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage: Holly Davis, Anne Russell and Fran Flanagan; Brett Bjornson, Estate Planning Attorney; Cindy and Bill Simon; and Westside Rentals.