Siesta Key Chamber bets on poker tournament

Annual poker tournament deals in chamber members and guests to fundraise for fireworks.

  • By Amanda Morales
  • | 9:10 p.m. June 9, 2016
  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce members and guests went all in for a good cause—fireworks. 

The annual poker tournament Thursday evening at the Sarasota Kennel Club is a fundraiser for the 4th of July fireworks display. 

This year the chamber is fundraising and taking sponsorship for the event that costs $45,000 to produce. 

Chamber Executive Director Ann Frescura is optimistic the goal will be reached and understands how important the tradition is to Siesta Key residents. Currently Frescura estimates that the total amount pledged for the fireworks is $40,000.

The chamber is reaching out to work with local condos and accommodations for sponsorship. 

“It’s a busy and profitable weekend for them,” Frescura said. “Visitors are coming for the holiday weekend and they’re looking forward to the fireworks.” 

The tournament winners were Brett Gatz and Judy Arnold who decided to split the pot of more than $1,000. 

Chamber members and guests tested their luck with games of Texas Hold'em poker.
Chamber members and guests tested their luck with games of Texas Hold'em poker.
Dealer Jordon Gardner fans out the cards before starting a game of Texas Hold'em.
Dealer Jordon Gardner fans out the cards before starting a game of Texas Hold'em.
Chamber members and guests tested their luck with games of Texas Hold'em poker.
Chamber members and guests tested their luck with games of Texas Hold'em poker.
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ann Frescura with Visitor Center and Volunteer Manager Mia Leone
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ann Frescura with Visitor Center and Volunteer Manager Mia Leone
Alex Kouvatsos, Village Cafe and Bob Kirschner, The White House Pub
Alex Kouvatsos, Village Cafe and Bob Kirschner, The White House Pub
Greg Bever, Bizzy Beez Cleaning and Mark Smith, Smith Architects
Greg Bever, Bizzy Beez Cleaning and Mark Smith, Smith Architects
Russell Matthes, Daiquiri Deck, Kay Kouvatsos, Village Cafe, Mark Smith, Smith Architects and Cheryl Gaddie, CG Interior Design
Russell Matthes, Daiquiri Deck, Kay Kouvatsos, Village Cafe, Mark Smith, Smith Architects and Cheryl Gaddie, CG Interior Design
Jason Bennett, Bennett Contracting, Jay Riley, Brett Gatz, Gilligant's Crystal Houghton, Midnight Cove and Mike Gatz, Gilligan's
Jason Bennett, Bennett Contracting, Jay Riley, Brett Gatz, Gilligant's Crystal Houghton, Midnight Cove and Mike Gatz, Gilligan's
Chamber members and guests tested their luck with games of Texas Hold'em poker.
Chamber members and guests tested their luck with games of Texas Hold'em poker.
Tables of ten played rounds of poker during the tournament.
Tables of ten played rounds of poker during the tournament.
Susan Guenther, Expert Water Removal, SKCC President Ann Frescura and Judy Arnold
Susan Guenther, Expert Water Removal, SKCC President Ann Frescura and Judy Arnold

 

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