A spirited night of poker, gourmet food, cocktails and fun prizes await as Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) will host its annual POKER FOR A PURPOSE fundraiser on Wednesday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. at The Heritage Club at Bethpage (Bethpage State Park, NY).
The in-person poker tournament is a signature event hosted by ACLD to raise funds to support people with special needs and make a difference in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Money raised is designated to ACLD’s Vacation Fund, guaranteeing every person living in an ACLD residence gets to enjoy a vacation once a year.
Highlights throughout the evening will include raffles, a silent auction, full buffet dinner, open bar and desirable prizes for the top winners of the tournament.
The 2024 POKER FOR A PURPOSE tournament Grand Prize includes one entry to a future Borgata Open and hotel stay in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Second place winner will receive a packaged overnight stay at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City which includes a fine-dine gift certificate and two tickets to a show. Third place winner will receive a Movado watch, compliments of SVS Fine Jewelry.
The 2024 ‘POKER FOR A PURPOSE’ honoree is David Gussin, publisher of 516Ads.com, who is known across the Island as “Long Island’s ultimate networker.” Established in 2007, 516Ads.com prides itself on being ‘Long Island’s Business Community Network.’
With the motto, ‘Created by Long Islanders for Long Islanders,‘ 516Ads.com has become a staple within Long Island’s industries, including real estate, accounting, hospitality, entertainment, the nonprofit sector, and more. Gussin has been honored by various organizations including the Hempstead Boys & Girls Club, Hope for Youth, Long Island Advancement of Small Business (LIASB) and others. His volunteer work includes Jacie’s Kids, Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy (PULSE), The INN, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
His network has worked with more than 100 charities over the years, collecting much-needed items and necessities. His altruistic and entrepreneurial spirit makes him the perfect honoree for the 2024 POKER FOR A PURPOSE event to benefit the ACLD Vacation Fund.
“This is a very special event that ACLD hosts on an annual basis,” said Robert Ciatto, ACLD President/CEO. “It’s a tremendous feeling to be able to ensure that every person in our residence program gets to go on a vacation each year and have those experiences and memories to share with their families, friends and housemates for years to come.”
Sponsorships and tickets are still available. For non-poker players there is a casino tournament that will coincide with the poker tournament, as well as learn-to-play-poker options.
Registration and dinner begin at 5:30 p.m. The poker tournament will kick-off at 7:00 p.m. For more information, or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit: www.pokerforapurpose.org.