About 90 people played in Saturday’s Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament as a benefit for the Rianda House senior activity center. After more than three hours, Monsignor John Brenkle was the last man standing — or sitting — at the poker table, having beaten Jeff Hansen and eight others at the last table of 10.

“It was very exciting and people had a great time,” said Julie Spencer, executive director of the Rianda House. “It was a fun fundraiser and we did pretty well, although we’re still tallying the numbers.”

She called it “divine intervention” that a Catholic priest beat the owner of a pharmacy in the elimination tournament. She added he was “either pretty good or pretty lucky.” For his win, Brenkle, who heads the St. Helena Catholic Church, won all the chips, which weren’t worth anything, and bragging rights. He also chose a golfing package and a couple of bottles of wine.

In second place, Hansen, owner of St. Helena Pharmacy, chose a spa package.

All 10 of the finalists chose prizes from those donated by local merchants. Other participants received 14 door prizes through the night. Spencer said one of the 10, J.P. de Baker, was in a giving mood as he chose a fishing trip with Bill Ryan and then gave it away to Grace Kistner, who was instrumental in getting the dinner organized.

Besides Brenkle, Hansen and de Baker, the other finalists were: Bill Ryan, Tracy Sweeney, Joyce Hults, John Morrison, Debbie Austin, Sandy Wargo and Jack Chandler

The tournament, which was held in Bourn Hall at Grace Episcopal Church, began with a Tex-Mex chili dinner with home-made cornbread, a green salad and local beer and wine. Stan Brody made the chili and Silverado Brewing Company donated the beer.

A practice session began at 5:30 p.m. and the elimination tournament began an hour later.

Spencer said the tournament was so much fun that it will be held again.

Print this story   |   Email this story | Browse today's articles in this category: | Next