Smoke, Drink, and Gamble: It’s for the Children

All of the problems you typically associate with charity events can be boiled down to one key issue: They’re freakin’ boring. Fortunately for you, Future Point understands your woes. The non-profit partners with schools, universities, and other organizations to provide programs and mentorship for at-risk youth. And while doin’ the good work theoretically should be free, it ain’t, so to bridge those financial gaps Future Point puts on one of the best yearly events in town: the Smoke on the Water Poker Tournament.

This is where you and 49 other prospective poker pros will gather in the VIP lounge at Florida Cigar Company (1527 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale) on Thursday for a taste of the good life: an evening of no-limit Texas hold ´em, complimentary select cocktails, sumptuous finger foods (like roasted lollipop pork chops and delicately packed crab cakes), and, of course, plenty of fine cigars. These intrepid gamblers will fight their way to the big prize – a seat at, and airfare to, the World Series of Poker – one hand at a time. But even those who fall bravely at the end will rake it in: Other big items up for grabs are a trip for two to the Bahamas and a 40-inch flat-screen TV. So no, this event won’t be the least bit boring and, yes, you can tell your wife the money went to charity. You sly dog, you. This tournament is limited to 50 people, so get in now while the gettin’s good. Spectators can go to watch the action, and a donation is suggested. A spot at the table will cost you a cool $500. Register at www.futurepoint.org.
Thu., March 13, 2008