Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/8603
APRIL APRIL the Gardena Police Department in the form of grant funds to assist our police force. The Foundation relies solely on the generous contributions of individuals, businesses, philanthropic organizations and its Board of Directors to meet specific grant requests from the police department for programs, equipment, and training that the city budget does not cover. It has been extraordinarily successful in providing support to the department during its first two years in existence and Hustler Casino has been a significant participant in that. The BICYCLE CASINO has two separate charity events in April that will benefit the community immensely. The first charity event is the "1736 Family Crisis Center Charity Tournament" is set up to benefit domestic violence victims and homeless youth, taking place on April 3rd. All proceeds will be going to: 1736 Family Crisis Center and the event will feature a great round of tournament play hosted by the one and only Celebrity Chair - Annie Duke, Poker Celebrity. Every player's $350.00 Buy-In ¬ includes great dining at the Bicycle's Dinner Reception, with Pre-Game Instructional Play where players can learn the ins and outs of tournament play, competition with Celebrity Players, even silent and live auctions with many tempting items. Or if you just want to go down to the Bike and partake in the event you can give back by being a spectator for $75.00. The first place winner of the tournament receives $10,000 in prize money. The Second Charity tournament, taking place on April 10th, will be the Smile Train Charity Poker Tournament. The tournament is hosted by Dr. Jerry Buss and will begin on the 10th at 3PM with registration and a buffet offering the players some great food to gear up for the tournament. Tournament play starts at 5PM and spots are given to players for an entry fee of $250 which is directly donated to the Smile Train plus a $25 registration. The tournament features over $25,000 in Lakers Memorabilia as well as many more great prizes which include everything from floor seats for a game, Dinner with Dr. Buss in his suite, tickets, autographed jerseys & basketballs, framed photos & more. So not only is this night full of great gifts but it benefits a truly great charity: Smile Train. Smile Train is the world's leading cleft charity, dedicated to helping the millions of children in the world who suffer from cleft lip or palate, by providing free surgery for patients and free training for doctors. If you want to know more go to www.smiletrain.org and learn all about it. The NORMANDIE CASINO has its own special way of giving back to its surrounding area. In addition to helping out charities like the Gardena YWCA, We Tip, and United Way the Normandie Casino also has a great foundation that it started on its own called the "B or Better Foundation". The B or Better Foundation and Scholarship Fund was established in 1999 by Normandie Casino Matriarch, Mrs. Mary Ellen Miller. Designed to encourage educational achievement for Normandie Casino employees, their families, and the Gardena community, Mrs. Miller rewarded her employees when they enrolled in a class and received a grade "B" or better. This great tradition continues today and every employee receiving a B or better gets $100 per school subject. Likewise, matching funds are placed into a high school scholarship program funded by the Normandie Casino B or Better Foundation. At the end of the school year the fund is divided and distributed to selected students from high schools in Gardena, as well as children of casino employees who choose to participate. First, the students must qualify academically and through community service, then they must write an outstanding essay. Each year, Normandie Casino hosts a "B or Better Foundation" Scholarship award dinner for the winning recipients and their families to attend. So whether it is a charity event, support to local law enforcement or foundation participation for the benefit of local residents, the LA Casinos are springing into action and giving back this April and all year round. Participating in these local events at the LA Casinos is just one of many ways that you can help in your own community. Winning some floor tickets to a game while helping out your local community is a new and intriguing incentive for all of us? WRITER>>DANIEL ALBERT 7