Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007

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Small town players with big hearts donate poker winnings

By Erin Warner

Small Town Poker Tour (STPT) Pro Am Series players anted up $57,000 in support of a local United Way in Lafayette, La., last week.

More than 550 players competed in the charity event, at which Frank LeBlanc fought through a six-hour final table to win the championship.

Upon winning the title, championship ring and a Visa card worth $5,000, LeBlanc immediately announced that he would donate $1,000 of his spoils to the United Way. LeBlanc also earned a seat at the tour's championship event in Las Vegas.

"That's what the STPT is all about - people with the love of poker coming together to support a great cause," tour producer Mark Fracalossi said in a release. "Frank went above and beyond donating money back."

The final 11 players divvied up $11,350 in prize money, with runner-up Li Pham earning a $3,000 Visa gift card.

Next up on the STPT schedule is an event at the John A. Alario Sr. Event Center in Westwego, La., March 23. The proceeds of that tournament will benefit the Krewe of Chief Choctaw and other regional charities.

Related Articles:

STPT Crowns Champion in Louisiana
STPT Launches Amateur Champiomship

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