Cards of remembrance

Pine Haven's fifth annual Carl Mirich Memorial Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament entertained 56 players this year with hosts Karla Brandenburg and husband Charlie Gulley and other volunteers adding two more tables to the floor in the Memorial room of the Community Center; 37 sat in on the game last year.

Brandenburg, who is very happy with the event, said of the night, "Great turnout!" Above the 56 main players, another 30 guests attended a "wild game of Right-Left-Center in the front room and more than 20 people were checking out the event and bidding in the silent auction. "Both rooms were packed!"

This event is a fundraiser instigated by Brandenburg, Gulley and others in memory of a friend of so many, Carl Mirich. Each year, the money raised are divided into the winnings for the game, which went to Andrew Norton this year, who won $1300 and a donation to a recognized need within Pine Haven.

Since 2019, over $27,000 has been donated from the yearly tournament to a cause of their choice,

"The expenses, Charlie and I take care of ourselves, or other people help us," she says.

This year, the town's EMS needs a $36,000 defibulator. Funds collected from the event broke down as $8375 from players; $590 in cash donations; $10,500 from sponsors; $400 from the 50/50 raffle; and $2040 from the silent auction.

The total funds raised was $21,905 with $5275 paid out to poker winners, leaving $16,630 donated to the purchase of the machine. However, $3400 has already been raised from the Slosh Ball and the Gala for this purpose.

Brandenburg is not resting, though, she is still seeking donations to reach the remaining balance to buy the defibulator.