Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica to Hold Poker Tournament

By Lookout Staff

August 16, 2017 -- To help boost its scholarships and grants funding, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica will bring back its popular Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament next month, club officials announced.

The event -- which includes food, prizes for the winners and non-competitive games -- will take place Saturday, September 16 starting at 6 p.m. at the Elk's Club, 1040 Pico Boulevard. To be placed on the invitation list send an email to PokerTournament@KiwanisClubSM.org

The event caps a successful season of fundraising for the Kiwanis Club, which awards more than $120,000 to community groups each year in in the form of grants, scholarships and sponsorships, local club officials said.

"We know that receiving these funds is beneficial, and sometimes crucial, for these young adults and organizations," officials said in a statement.

This month, the club announced it has given more than $33,000 in scholarships to college-bound high school seniors from Samohi, St. Monica's, Crossroads, PAL and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica.

Some of the money also went to middle and high school musicians in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and to Santa Monica College continuing students.

This year, the club also started a new Visual Arts Scholarship program that has awarded more than $2,200 to students for achievement in painting, film, photography and others, Kiwanis officials said.

The club provides grants totaling more than $56,000 to 28 non-profits organizations serving youth and families on the Westside, officials said.

The money we give to the students helps not only further their academic pursuits but also lets them know that the community values and applauds their efforts," club officials said. "This is why we give.

"Being able to participate in the process of awarding these scholarships and grants is also extremely fulfilling for our Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica members."

For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica click here