LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Las Trampas partners with LAMA for the win in poker tournament


First place winner T.J. Grossi, left, and in second place, Matt Roberts. Photo provided

Proving that sometimes gambling can be a win-win for everyone, Las Trampas and philanthropic group Lamorinda Gives Back joined forces to host a "Cards for Humanity" charity poker tournament, raising more than $11,000 to benefit people with developmental disabilities.

The poker tournament took place June 8 at the 1515 Restaurant and Lounge in Walnut Creek. Players enjoyed food, drinks, a raffle and seven rounds of fast-paced poker action to benefit Las Trampas' programs.

Lafayette's Las Trampas School provides services to people with developmental disabilities and their families to help them discover their capabilities and to lead full lives in their homes, at work and in the community.

"We're thrilled to work with Lamorinda Gives Back again this year," says Las Trampas Executive Director Daniel Hogue. "Events like Cards for Humanity are an investment in a community that is welcoming and inclusive for all and we're so grateful to everyone who came out to support our work."

Brian Britton is president of Lamorinda Gives Back, known as LAMA, an acronym derived from the combination of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda. He says that Las Trampas is a remarkable organization with great leadership that makes real differences for adults with developmental disabilities on a daily basis.

"We at Lamorinda Gives Back were pleased to assist Las Trampas host the `Cards for Humanity' poker event on June 8," says Britton. "LAMA is grateful for the support from our members and the attendees from across the East Bay who participated at this event and helped raise money for this worthwhile cause. A special thank you to 1515 Restaurant, Lost Republic Distillery, and those who donated prizes for all the generous support."

All of the proceeds are going to Las Trampas. Development Director Kris Jachens says that this year, the gap between the fees they receive from the state of California and what their services actually cost to provide is more than $2,500 per program participant for the year. "This will help bridge that gap for four people," notes Jachens.

"Cards for Humanity is an event that LAMA came up with. This is the second year that they've partnered with a local nonprofit to host it and we're thrilled that they approached us this year," Jachens says.