A poker tournament on Saturday is a sure bet to raise money for people living with multiple sclerosis in the Rocky Mountain Area. The 5th Annual MS Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament will be at the Laramie Historic Train Depot on February 9th from 5:30 p.m. to midnight.

Organizer Cheryl Johnson says they can take up to 64 players and the top three will receive prizes valued at $350, $200 and $100. Entrance is $50 and all proceeds will benefit the WY/CO Chapter of the MS Society.

Johnson reports that the event started as a way to raise funds for three Laramie residents participating in a 50 mile for MS that used to take place in Ft. Collins, "They discontinued the walk, but we had so much fun doing the poker tournament that we have kept it going."

And they've had a lot of success raising money as well. The first year they raised about $1,900. That grew to over $3,700 last year and this year a goal of $5,000 has been set.

To help them reach that goal, Johnson says they've added a silent auction to the event. Featured in the silent auction are:

  • Custom fishing rod donated by Jeff and Becky Fetters
  • Autographed item by Denver Bronco and Pro Bowler Zane Beadles
  • Photography by David Henry
  • Jewelry from four local artists - Rene Williams, Vicky Kmetz, Nancy Pajak, and Sandi Loghry
  • Wine baskets
  • Home items from Copper Kettle
  • Tennis lessons from Head Coach Dean Clower and his assistants and Pro player Rob Kuseski
  • Tennis apparel from Rosemary Beach Racquet Club
  • Clothing items from Brown and Gold- Casey and Dodi Campbell and Outlaw Rodeo owner Curt Mayer
  • Pottery from Local Artist Misa Naguchi
  • Products from Laramie Spa and Vein

In addition, there will be raffles for smaller things like bottles of wine and home items.

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