Lansing Credit Union's Non-Profit Arm Sponsors Texas Hold'em Charity Tournament

Online, October 15, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Lansing Township's Eastwood Downtown Development Authority (Eastwood DDA) in partnership with CASE Cares, the non-profit arm of Lansing-based Credit Union Case Credit Union, held the inaugural four-day limited field Texas Hold'em Charity Tournament (license #M49257) on September 24 - 27 at the Eastwood NCG parking lot. Eastwood DDA has been working with CASE cares for the last several years in accomplishing its mission of making a difference for those in need in the Greater Lansing area. The event successfully raised awareness of CASE Cares and made the first place tournament winner $10,000 richer. In addition to the tournament, participants and attendees could watch college and pro football games on six 50" flat screen televisions that were raffled off on Sunday evening along with a 50/50 raffle. Cash games were available and provided by the Greater Lansing Destination Development Foundation (license #M50526). Those in attendance also enjoyed live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. The four-day event was sponsored by CASE Cares in partnership with Lansing Township's Eastwood Downtown Development Authority.

The Texas Hold'em winners are: Josh Hicks, $10,000; Tom White, $1,500; Matt Allen, $1,000; Elliott Hebden, $750; Wiley Massingill, $500; Jon Stock, $400; Melvin Sparks, $350; Derek Johnson, $300; Monoletoe McDonald, $250; and Jeff Brewer, $200. Each of the following won 50" flat screen televisions: Reid Olds, Georgette Taylor, Jim Zeihmer, Chad LaDuke, Maria Smyka and Tom MacIntosh. The 50/50 raffle winner is Michael Shore.

Steve Hayward, Executive Director, Eastwood DDA, states, "We are pleased to be a part of such a worthwhile endeavor that will help enhance the quality of life for many deserving physically and/or mentally challenged children in the region. It took a lot of volunteers and businesses giving of their time and support to make the event happen. And, I am grateful for their assistance. We also want to give special recognition to the members of Peppermint Creek Theatre Company and Woldumar Nature Center for all of their generous and enthusiastic help at the event.

CASE Cares chairperson Kathy Devine says the amount of support and good will provided to CASE Cares is heartwarming. "On behalf of the CASE Cares board of directors, we thank each and every volunteer and group that helped us organize, promote and hold our first such endeavor. It should be noted that this event was made possible first and foremost by the generous support of Steve Hayward and the Eastwood DDA. A lot of time and effort were given to launch the event and we are extremely appreciative," states Devine. A special thank you also goes to all of our event supporters and sponsors including the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, Bradford Printing Company, Brinks, CASE Credit Union, Coca-Cola, Dan Henry Distributing, Dan MacLachlan, Delta Electrical Contractors of Lansing, Direct TV, DeWitt Charter Township, Eagle Eye Golf Club, Ingham County Parks, Jimmy Likes Pie, Marco's Pizza, Meridian Screen Printing & Embroidery, Moore's Security Services, Inc, NCG Cinemas, Peppermint Creek Theatre Company, Potter Park Zoo, Quality Dairy, Quiznos, Two Men and a Truck, WLNS TV 6 and Woldumar Nature Center.

Lansing Township's Eastwood Downtown Development Authority and CASE Cares, a local nonprofit organization, planned the event to help raise funds which will be used to develop a barrier-free playground at Lansing's Potter Park and a Miracle League baseball field with a special rubberized turf at Valley Farms Park in DeWitt Charter Township accessible to children with all physical and/or mental abilities.

There are over 108,000 children (figures from 2000 census for Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia, Livingston and Shiawassee counties) with physical and/or mental disabilities. Kids should be kids - it's their job to play and have fun. Both the playground and Miracle League baseball field will give them more opportunities to play safely.