Cancer Awareness Bracelets

Kim's sister Emily, mother Karen, and father Tim have been amazing. Emily's hobby of jewelry making turned into a fundraising machine. She along with parents Criner have been mass producing beautiful cancer awareness bracelets and raising over $2,000 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to date! The bracelets, selling at $15 a piece, have sold so quickly they've been on back order now for weeks. Thank you so much Emily, Karen and Tim for your effort and help. And to all those who purchased bracelets and dontated, you have our sincere gratitude.

Poker Nite I- March 3, 2006

It was an awesome time, especially for my dad Cy, who took home the 1/2 pot! The meal, donated by Kim, me, dad, and sister Josie, consisted of veggies and dip, kick-ass guacamole, and kick-your-ass chili con carne y chorizo (Steve requested spicy and we all got it), along with Freihofer's cookies and plenty of beers.

Eric came in 2nd, mystifying all with his strategy of non-strategy (kind of like Bruce Lee's art of "fighting without fighting"), Kim was 3rd after making an amazing comeback with a 4-King hand (that's more King's than in Steve's apartment), I was 4th, Steve 5th with after folding with a pocket Queen/Jack ("Uncle Jesse"), and uncharacteristically Mike was 6th, first to be eliminated. It was a game with some impressive hands and lots of straights.

Thanks to all who came to our first official fundraising event, had fun, donated, ate, drank and gambled!
You helped us raise $140 for the Society and got us off to a great start!

Poker Nite II: The Rotterdam Connection- March 10, 2006

Hosted by John and Ed at the Miller residence, TWO games were played. Ed with the help of technology texted me a play-by-play while I was in Brooklyn. Chief won an a heads up battle against Cy, taking the 1/2 pot. Chief has graciously donated his winnings to the Society. You have our gratitude.

With the night still young, Louise (Johnny's Mom) joined the 2nd game of $10 buy ins and quickly eliminated the reigning winners, Cy and Chief. She finished 3rd, having been eliminated by her own son Johnny, leaving Ed as the only other contender. The final hand featured two flushes, Johnny's beating Ed's, crowning Johnny the newest Poker Nite King.

Thanks to all once again- Special thanks to the Chief- for participating, having fun, donating, and gambling. All totalled, you raised $160 for the society! Cheetos. Cheetos Paws, even.

80's Murder Mystery Reunion- April 8, 2006

Not having ever participated in a murder-mystery event, Kim and I weren't sure what to expect. We knew that our guests would make or break the experience since it was all guest participation and wow did everyone blow our expectations away!

Kim did an amazing job with the prep work for the party, distributing characters for all, planning the menu, and preparing much of the food. I added a few touches by way of the Sweedish meatballs and other food prep. Special thanks to Jeremy(Michael) and Marni(Mary) for the cheeseball and decorating help.

I threw on Bon Jovi's 'Slippery When Wet' album and kim got into her 80's outfit to kick the night off. As guests started arriving, it was obvious by their 80's outfits that the night was going to be a blast. The game took off, and everyone played their roles splendidly.

Props to Corinne(Jenny) for winning the "Best Actor" award and for also covering for our missing Johnny character! Props also to Mikey(Lynn) for winning the "Best Costume" award!

Thanks so much for all who came and played and dontated. You helped us raise $400 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Kim and I continue to be very thankful for for your friendship and support.

 

Poker Nite III: The Dirty Dozen- April 14, 2006

Twelve players turned out for the 3rd Charity Poker tournament and it was truely a 'tournament'. We had two tables of six running at the same time. John and Louise Miller were once again our gracious hosts and also served us ample entertainment with their teasing of Johnny.

The mix of players was good ranging from seasoned players to rookies, creating exciting play and an unpredicted outcome. When the two tables join, six players were eliminated including Chief, Champion of Poker Nite II- Round One. I moved on with a stack of chips, but the real story was Janet Fink. Janet, who never played poker before (was too shy, haha, not anymore) routed her table and entered the final six matchup with a monster pile.

Props also to Charlotte (who also was new to the game), Johnny, Cy, and Steve for advancing to the final table. A heads-up match wasn't played. The last remaining three players, Janet, Cy, and I went All-In at the same time. In the end, I squeaked out a victory because my high card was a Jack and Cy's was a Five. It was time that pushed us- this was an epic game, lasting almost 4 hours, till nearly 2 in the morning.

The pot was $240, 1/2 to the winner and 1/2 to the Society. I broke my 3 year loosing streak on a fortunate evening and dontated my winnings to the society!

Thanks to all that came, gambled, and had a fun time. I had great time and am most fortunate to have you all as friends. Thanks once again to John & Louise for hosting. Thanks Paul and others who brought beer for us to drink. Thanks to Chief for the awesome photos. And thanks to Ed and Cy for supplying the cards and chips.

You all have Kim's and my gratitude.