Poker tournament and auction to benefit ill Cape woman
An upcoming poker tournament and auction will benefit a woman who is fighting cancer.
The Cancer Sucks Poker Benefit for Katie Ball will take place on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at BackStreets Sports Bar. Run by the No Limit Pub Poker Tour, it is a Texas Hold’em tourney.
“It will be run tournament-style,” Pamela Hazelton, a spokeswoman for BackStreets, said.
“It follows the WSOP (World Series of Poker) rules,” she added.
On May 1, Ball experienced a seizure and was rushed to the hospital, according to organizers. During a CAT scan, doctors found a mass in her brain. Post-brain surgery, it was confirmed that it was cancer.
After going through chemotherapy and radiation, another scan was performed. Doctors found another cancerous mass in Ball’s brain, about twice the size of the first one. Another plan was put into place.
She is currently undergoing additional chemotherapy treatment.
Organizers reported that during the diagnoses and treatments, Ball was let go from her job. Since July 27, she has been out of work. Ball has COBRA insurance, but her medical bills and such are adding up.
“Every auction and raffle item is donated, so 100 percent of the amount paid for them goes directly to Katie,” Hazelton said.
The tournament buy-in is $50; those who register in advance get an extra $1,500 in chips.
“Registering in advance has its benefits,” she said.
To register, visit online at bit.ly/katiepoker.
“They can pre-register up until 11:59 p.m. Friday (today, Oct. 20),” Hazelton said.
She noted that players can also buy-in day of at the event.
“They just don’t get the extra chips,” she said.
The winner of the tourney will receive a 55-inch 4K LG television, valued at $500-$600.
“This is what a lot of people like to play for is a big prize like this,” Hazelton said.
Some of the auction items will include gift certificates to local restaurants, bars and salons.
“There’s also a beautiful, handmade wood flag by Nautique Designs,” she said.
While there is no 50/50 drawing, raffle items will be up for grabs.
“All raffles are for tangible items,” Hazelton said.
Tyler Kluesner will perform live on the patio starting at 2:30 p.m.
“There will be live music,” she said.
The specials include 50-cent chili dogs, 99-cent pulled pork sliders and pumpkin pie shots for $3.
“Everybody hates cancer,” Hazelton said. “This is a time for us to help each other.”
She encouraged the public to register to play or stop by and show support.
“Katie Ball’s fighting a battle right now and this is our chance to step up and say, ‘Hey, we’re here for you,'” Hazelton said. “It’s a great way to show Katie she is not alone.”
BackStreets Sports Bar is at 915 S.E. 47th Terrace.