Silver City, NM — The CLAY Festival Poker Tournament Fundraiser was a fun-filled evening for players and spectators alike. Registered players competed for the top 10 spots, each of whom won a prize donated by local businesses, including Syzygy Tile, Coach Massage, Ace Hardware, Manzanita Ridge, True Value Hardware, Diane's Restaurant, Little Toad Creek Brewery, Silver City Food Coop, Shevek's Casual Restaurant, Wranglers Bar & Grill, the Silver City Museum, Tapas Tree Grill, Single Socks, Jalisco Café, Revel, and Datura Day Spa. There were even some art items up for grabs, including a hand-painted lamp shade by Buck Burns and silver pendants by Juan Velasco. New this year were prizes for the first out of the tournament, best dressed dealer, and a prize drawing for all players who did not place in the top ten. Pizza was available to keep the players fueled during the tournament and snacks available for all who came to the tournament. Alberton's generously donated paper goods for serving pizza and snacks.

The grand prize was a week-long getaway at the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona won by 1st place winner Michael Klein. Rounding out the top ten winners were Christopher Cottingham, Curtis Floyd, Tommy Jacquez, Eileen English, Matthew Gruszka, Brian Dolton, Jim Keels, James Pagels, and Ted Wagner. A special cheering section formed through the evening for Eileen English, who placed 4th overall and was the only woman to make it to the prize round. Cindy Gagnon, who was the lead organizer for the event and led the pre-poker training, has placed 2nd in a prior tournament, and we hope to see more women come to the tournament next year!