Poker for a Purpose at The Carltun raises $36,000

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A night of poker raised $36,000 toward helping children and adults with special needs. Havana’s Cigar Club at The Carltun in East Meadow hosted the Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. Foundation on March 11 for an inaugural Poker for a Purpose fundraiser to benefit the Bethpage-based organization.

The event brought over 100 poker players and spectators together for some casino-style fun. All of it was in support of ACLD’s mission to provide children and adults with autism, learning and other developmental disabilities with opportunities for pursuing enviable lives, promoting their independence and fostering supportive relationships within the community.

“Our goal for this first event was to have fun while raising awareness and funds for the support of ACLD’s mission,” said Robert Goldsmith, its executive director. “We exceeded our expectations with the turnout, and look forward to building on this year’s success and making next year’s event even better.”

The fun-filled event consisted of gourmet food, open bar and a tournament that offered prizes to the top five winners. Non-poker players were able to join in the fun as well and were invited to take a seat at the “learn to play” table.

“King Sponsors” included Fusion Architecture and Bank United; “Queen Sponsors” were Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp., Varsity Plumbing, Freedom Home Improvements, Hotel Indigo and Lessing’s Hospitality Group, and Jack Sponsors included Royal Elite BBQ, Admiral Insurance Bridge, Corp. and The Cornerstone Group of New York. The “Grand Prize Movado Watch Sponsor” was SVS Fine Jewelry and the “Photography Sponsor” was Concierge Photography.

—Brian Stieglitz