Sigma Kappa will hold its 10th annual Sigma Hold'em poker tournament Monday, Feb. 24 and Tuesday, Feb. 25 at SkyBar Cafe in downtown Auburn.
The event is a two-day, no limits, Texas Hold'em style poker tournament and will feature a women's tournament as well as a regular tournament in which all attendees are welcome to play.
On Feb. 24, the women's tournament will begin at 6:30 p.m., and first round of the regular tournament will begin at 7 p.m.
On Feb. 25, the regular tournament will begin at 7 p.m. and run until 9 p.m., after which will be a champions round from 9 to 11 p.m.
The winners from the championship round will be awarded prizes.
The Sigma Hold'em event proceeds support two of Sigma Kappa's most important organizations: The Sigma Kappa Foundation, which exists as the fundraising entity for the Sigma Kappa sorority, and the Alzheimer's Foundation, whom Sigma Kappa has been partnered with since 1984.
The Alzheimer's Foundation aims to improve the care and services provided for those experiencing Alzheimer's, as well as provide comfort and council for family members.
"Alzheimer's Disease has affected my life in many ways," said McCauley Alexiou, Sigma Kappa's vice president of philanthropic services. "It is really important for all of the Sigma Kappa girls to give and support research into Alzheimer's because we either have a close personal story, or we know someone who is affected with the disease, and we want to create a change to make life better for the people struggling with Alzheimer's in any way that we can."
Last year the event garnered more than $10,000, but through new public relations tactics, including increased publicity on the concourse and employing WEGL TV to provide announcers and DJs at the event, Sigma Kappa is hoping to raise approximately $12,000 this year.
"This year we're working really hard to let everyone know that even if they can't participate in the event, they can still support us by buying a t-shirt or giving a donation," said Jen Rudder, sophomore and co-chair of Sigma Hold'em. "We've worked incredibly hard to get ready for the 2014 Sigma Hold'em and we're hoping to blow our $12,000 fundraising goal out of the water."
Sigma Kappa has also reached out to its southeastern alumnae, including women from Birmingham to Atlanta, to ask for their help and advice.
Overall, the women of Sigma Kappa are determined to improve upon the earnings from last year and are incredibly dedicated to their cause.
"It has been such an amazing experience to see my chapter come together to plan this event and raise money for such a great cause," said Brianna Gorman, sophomore and Sigma Hold'em co-chair. "We are so excited for this year's Sigma Hold'em and hope to raise even more money than last year. It's so great to be able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and hopefully one day we will get to see all our hard work pay off."
The price of a ticket includes a t-shirt and can be purchased from any Sigma Kappa member. If you do not wish to attend the event, the cost of a T-shirt is $10.
A ticket to attend the regular tournament is $20 and a ticket to attend the women's tournament is $15. However, ticket prices will increase $5 at the door, so be sure to get your ticket before Feb. 23.
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