County man has a shot at poker's biggest tourney

A Ventura man planned to be in Temecula today to compete in a poker tournament leading up to the card game's world championship.

Jeffrey Murray won a seat at Pechanga Resort & Casino's monthly Big Showdown tournament by coming out on top at a recent Conejo Valley fundraiser. The Kiwanis of Thousand Oaks' Charitable Foundation held its first Texas Hold 'em benefit at the local Borderline Bar and Grill.

More than 250 people watched the tournament and participated in other casino games as well as live and silent auctions, said Dave Klein of Westlake Village, Kiwanis co-chairman.

Klein said the Temecula resort donated the free entry as the Kiwanis fundraiser's grand prize, and Murray "plowed through over 100 competitors" to win. Kiwanian Brad Lewis was co-chairman, and the event sponsor was the Do It Center.

At stake today is a seat at next year's World Championship of Poker in Las Vegas.

Jerry Yang, last year's world championship winner of more than $8 million, won a spot at that table by winning a Pechanga tournament, said Klein, who added, "This year's grand prize will likely surpass $10 million."

Kiwanis' second annual Texas Hold 'em tournament benefit will be in November, said Klein. "This program is part of the Kiwanis strategic plan to raise money through several major events a year for our many community causes," he said.

Next up is the Kiwanis' golf tournament June 23 in Moorpark.

For more information, call Klein at 496-1904.

News Added: 26 April, 2008

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