September 26, 2011–Third time proved a charm for this year?s winner of the ?Play it Forward Poker Tournament? to benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF). Jeri Allen of Redwood City, Calif., won the third annual tournament on Sept. 15, at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Held during the High Roller Reining Classic, the EAF charity poker tournament raises funds for horsemen suffering from life-threatening illnesses and catastrophic injuries. Sponsors included FarmVet, Brumley Management Group and an anonymous donor.
?I have been participating in this event since its inception and for three years I?ve been trying to win this trophy,? said winner Allen. ?The EAF is such a great cause and it’s so much fun at the same time. This year, Pam Ward of PARW Buckles sponsored me in the tournament. I don’t know how I made to the end, but I will keep the trophy and the bragging rights that go with it. I’m prepared to defend my position next year.?
Brad Giesbrecht placed second and won a two-night stay certificate donated by South Point Hotel and Casino; Lance Griffin was third; and Tim McQuay, whose picture was featured on this year?s poker tournament poster, finished fourth.
?I can’t wait to play again next year,? said Frank Costantini, past president of the NRHA and RHSF, past chairman of the FEI Reining Committee, member of the NRHA Hall of Fame and Markel Insurance Company representative. ?It was truly a great evening and an opportunity to give back to an organization that does so much for Equestrians during their time of need. It is very gratifying for me, who knows a little about fund raising, to see all of the various disciplines coming together as a community to support the Equestrian Aid Foundation.?
In addition to fun and lots of laughs, players also received a goody bag provided by Platinum Performance stuffed with items from companies: Arenus, Bayer Animal Health, eZall, FarmVet, Johnson Horse Transportation, Leather CPR, Markel Insurance Company and Red Horse Equine Arts.
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About the Equestrian Aid Foundation
In 1996 the Equestrian AIDS Foundation was established to assist those with HIV/Aids. Recognizing a broader need, the organization changed its name to the Equestrian Aid Foundation and revised its mission. Its mission is to build a membership based organization to assist anyone in the equestrian world suffering from life threatening illness, catastrophic accidents or injuries by providing financial assistance for their medical or other basic needs. It is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides grant recipients funding for medical, healthcare, rehabilitation and essential expenses, such as housing and food throughout their time of need. To learn more about the EAF, visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, facebook at www.facebook.com/EAF.Ride4Hope or twitter at @ride4hope.
