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Poker playing for a good cause

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Contributed by: Sharonna Allahyar on 10/12/2008

The rainy weather in Canoga Park Saturday didn't stop The A.G.B.U Manoogian-Demirdjian School's 20 Alumni Association from dealing the cards for fun night of donations.

The Alumni Association threw its third annual fundraiser the "HOLD 'EM HYE" poker tournament that took place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4.

The auditorium was packed with hundreds of alumni, friends, sponsors and parents who came to try their luck and help raise money for alumni charities. The event also helped to financially subsidize the teacher credentialing program that is being offered to the faculty of the A.G.B.U school.

Playing with professionally hired poker dealers, the participants and organizers themselves, still maintained their unique poker faces.

"Good food, great dealers, and delicious alcohol, is a great combination to tonight's success," said Alumni President Raffi Svandian. Decorated in a Vegas theme, the association provided hookah, an open bar, music, Armenian cultural food and free A.G.B.U T-shirts.

After six hours of poker play, first-place winner John Jamgochian received a Sony Plasma TV. Other runner-up participants won prizes that included a Baume&Mercier watch, a 50", an Apple Mac-Book, an iTouch iPod, and two round-trip tickets to Las Vegas.

This year they made around $25,000 in donations, which turned out to be more than last year's HOLD "EM HYE event.

"It's for a good cause, and I'm having fun," said poker participant Albert Farajian. The tournament had a minimum buy of $200 with optional re-buys, which was a huge success for donations.

The "HOLD 'EM HYE" event was funded by previous events thrown by thealumni association, individuals and from corporate sponsors that included Westime, Rorgiato and Duramax.

"I appreciate all the helpers and sponsors that helped accomplish our goal for a great benefit," said organizer Carl Nersesian. The association also offered lessons to men and women who were interested in learning how to play the game of poker.

For more information about future A.G.B.U events and fundraisers, visit the Web site at: www.mdsalumni.com.

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