Did you know that the best poker chips in the world are made of clay? On the evening of July 25th, 2015, the Silver City CLAY Festival will host a fundraising event showcasing casino quality clay chips. Texas Hold 'Em will be the game of choice with donated prizes for the final ten players.
OVERVIEW Starting at 3PM, July 25th, 2015, the CLAY Poker Tournament Fundraiser will consist of a Texas Hold 'Em style poker tournament which will serve as a fundraising event geared towards donations and fun - not the risk of wagering. All donations will be used to support the CLAY Festival and its efforts towards increasing artistic, cultural, and economic development in Southwest New Mexico.
The tournament will be a fundraising event at the "Old Elk's Lodge" ballroom at 315 N Texas St, Silver City, NM 88061. To register to play in the tournament, we ask for a minimum donation of $50. Anyone over the age of 21 may observe the tournament without needing to register, although donations are appreciated and can be taken at the door.
The final ten players will be awarded donated prizes - not cash prizes. All prizes will be donated contributions. Prize pools of any kind will not be created from the participant donations or by the participants at the tables. In addition, the poker chips have no inherent monetary value.
REGISTRATION: Players can donate $50 and register. Player donations can be made via the CLAY Festival website. All participants must be 21 years of age or older and will be carded during the check-in period prior to the tournament by CLAY Festival volunteers. Any participants found to be under the age requirement will be escorted off the premises. Registered players may check-in between 2:30-3:00 PM at the "Old Elk's Lodge" ballroom entrance. Upon check-in, each participant will receive their starting chips and a randomized table assignment for the tournament.
TOURNAMENT VENUE: The CLAY Poker Tournament Fundraising Event will take place at 3 PM at the "Old Elk's Lodge" ballroom located at 315 N. Texas St, Silver City, NM 88061. During the CLAY Poker Tournament Fundraiser, registered participants, observers, and assigned CLAY Festival volunteers will be allowed in the ballroom playing area. All persons must be 21 years of age or older. No alcohol will be allowed in the ballroom.
TOURNAMENT PLAY: The CLAY Poker Tournament will be emceed by our Tournament Coordinator - Tanner Thetford. He will begin the event by welcoming all participants, explaining the rules and regulations regarding tournament play, the purpose of this fundraising event, and ultimately the prizes to be awarded. He will have the final say in all play-related decisions and conflicts.
During tournament play, all registered participants will take their seat based on their table assignment received during check-in. Each table will seat 10 players and a dealer. As players are eliminated from the game, the remaining players will be redistributed evenly among the tables to equalize game play. Blinds will increase periodically as controlled by the Tournament Director.
Designated breaks will occur throughout the tournament, but players have the option to pay their blind and fold their card-hand to leave at their convenience. With the included breaks, the fundraising event may last anywhere from 5-7 hours. Players who have been eliminated are welcome to stay in the ballroom to observe game play until the end of the event.
FOOD & DRINK: During the CLAY Poker Tournament Fundraiser, alcohol will not be permitted in the tournament area - the ballroom - under any circumstances. Participants are permitted, however, to leave the ballroom area at their convenience. For those participants who have left the tournament room, the outdoor patio will serve as another environment to enjoy this fundraising event. Pizza will be available for registrants.
PRIZES: Players who make it to the final table - the remaining 10 participants - will be awarded prizes. 1st place will have first choice from the 10 prizes, second place will then choose from the remaining 9 prizes, so on and so forth. These prizes will consist of donated gifts from various local vendors and CLAY Festival supporters. The Tournament Coordinator will be in charge of awarding the prizes at the conclusion of the tournament. Prize list to come.
CONTACT INFORMATION CLAY FESTIVAL DIRECTOR: Lee Gruber 575-590-0314 lee@clayfestival.com CLAY PROJECT COORDINATOR: Jessie Thetford 702-335-7381 jessie@clayfestival.com CLAY POKER TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: Tanner Thetford 702-497-8339 thetfordt@gmail.com CLAY VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: Diane Miller 575- 519-0752 salzburg2@msn.com CLAY PRIZE COORDINATOR: Barbara Maxfeldt bdmax@cox.net