Texas, we have a problem. Playing poker in Texas is legal if it’s private and lacks both a rake and alcohol; however, this is a gray area for charity events. Last spring, I spoke before the Texas Lottery Committee on HB-3186 to try and clarify these issues for charity events. The bill passed the committee and went on to the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, HB-3186 died because it wasn’t heard during the House session.
Like many Americans, Texans spend time and money creating bills, yet, Representatives leave session after 140 days regardless if a bill is heard or not. While the Governor may call a special session, this doesn’t mean a bill will stay alive. Tax dollars, donations and hard work are left to die on the floor because oops, out of time. Isn’t that a great policy to teach our youth? Put your time and money into something and maybe you’ll get lucky. Tsk, tsk, the games people play.
I’m a member of VICTORY, a division of the American Cancer Society, which hosts the Cattle Baron’s Ball and Holiday Shopping Card. Some think the organization is snooty because you have to be sponsored to get in. Not true. The reason for this is because these women take this organization very seriously. You work your arse off which is why they have been around for twenty years, guide other cities to follow our path and now raise over a million annually. Within volunteer circles, Victory is known as the charity that makes you work.
I’m a member of VICTORY, a division of the American Cancer Society, which hosts the Cattle Baron’s Ball and Holiday Shopping Card. Some think the organization is snooty because you have to be sponsored to get in. Not true. The reason for this is because these women take this organization very seriously. You work your arse off which is why they have been around for twenty years, guide other cities to follow our path and now raise over a million annually. Within volunteer circles, Victory is known as the charity that makes you work.
This year I suggested adding a poker tournament at the ball, as they already have blackjack. The poker tournament is pending legal advice.
It’s ridiculous people prevent groups from raising money to help others fight cancer. I wonder if these are the same people making money (where they receive a salary and we don’t) offering B.I.N.G.O. Bingo being like…all skill. I wonder if those anti-charity poker tournament activists can sleep at night knowing they prevented someone from beating cancer.
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