The Latest Buzz

Gran Prix Imports, a luxury auto dealership in Wilsonville, and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) recently hosted more than 80 members of RMHC’s Tanner Society for a celebration with “Poker Joe and the Pros.” 

Society members enjoyed cocktails and appetizers in Gran Prix’s brand-new Lamborghini Showroom, followed by dinner, poker clinics and a fast-paced poker tournament in the main showroom.

The event was hosted by Tanner Society Member Joe Graziano, a member of RMHC’s Advisory Board, a local businessman and successful professional poker player. Joining him to lead the clinics, share their experiences on the World Poker Tour (WPT) and spice up the tournament were poker pros Kenna James, Arnold Spee, Marsha Waggoner, Tom McEvoy and Dusty Schmidt. In addition to sharing stories from the WPT, the pros led clinics on Betting, Bluffing, Starting Hands, “Tells,” and Odds.

First Prize in the Tournament went to Worth Caldwell, Second Prize to Betsy Soma and Third Prize to Beth Irish—each winner in the tournament received a professional chip set and a half-hour drive in a Lamborghini hosted by Gran Prix Imports.

The fun event marked the celebration of the Tanner Society growing to 81 Members in 2007, an increase of 17% from 2006, with Members contributing more than $462,000 (approximately 25% of RMHC’s operating budget).

"We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our Tanner Society Members for their continued commitment to and investment in our mission,” stated Kimberlee Harper Hanken, RMHC development manager. 

RMHC also extends special appreciation to professional poker players Joe Graziano, Kenna James, Arnold Spee, Marsha Waggoner, Tom McEvoy, Dusty Schmidt, the team at Gran Prix Imports, William Grant & Sons, Dick Powers, Cherri Roden and Lindsey Taylor.

Click here for more information about the Tanner Society.

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