The 7^th annual Happy House Poker Fundraiser and Family BBQ at Nancy Cartwright’s home was, once again, the largest ever. More than three hundred poker players, party attendees, children and volunteers came out to have some family fun, play poker and support Happy House and the Good Choices Program. Some of the fun included (but was in no way limited to) face painting, a bouncy house and water slide, bingo, ping pong and a wide array of arts and crafts. All of this to the back-beat of Tony St Tone and his band.

In the poker area, the action was fast and furious. When the dust settled, only Steve—aka“Captain Hook” of Hooks Landing Deep Sea Fishing—Grodin was left standing. The winner selected a signed Shaquille O’Neal jersey as his prize, and he will, of course, be back next year to defend his title. Rounding out the top three were Stephen Durham in second and Mike Burditt in third.

We couldn’t have made this event possible without the help of more than 40 volunteers, so we would like to thank them for their time and all of their work. We would also like to thank all the players and contributors and congratulate this year’s top players (from 13th to 4th): Jill Thomas, Kim Schneider, Mike Armstrong, Nancy Robertson, Michael Moore, Lara Gertzen, Eric Mellinger, Beau Golden, Bill Dederick, and Brad Harris.

The proceeds from the event benefit the Good Choices Program.  Key contributions came from Innovative Artists, Origin Oil, Wiseman & Burke, LA Racing Experience, FOX, Leah Antonio Ketchem, Casino Entertainment Industries, The BBQ Place, All Valley Rentals, and The Kitchen for Exploring Foods.

After the event, Nancy said, “It just amazes me how much our volunteers and donors actually demonstrate the very concepts that we are striving for our children to get with this program.  You are all so dedicated and professional and willing to help others and I greatly appreciate it!”

Good Choices is an after-school program for youth that gives them a very simple way to make better choices in life and survive in a dangerous environment.  To find out more go to www.goodchoicesprogram.org.

See you next year!