October 13, 2005

Almaden Business Association gets ready to deal
for library’s Children’s Story Time area

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

ABA members enjoy an evening mixer sponsored by Silicon Valley Community Newspapers at Britannia Arms Thursday night.

The highlight of the Almaden Business Association’s evening mixer last week at Britannia Arms was the announcement of a Texas Hold’em benefit tournament.

The tournament will be hosted by the Almaden Business Association (ABA) and San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce and will benefit the Children’s Story Time area of the new Almaden Branch Library.

Set for Saturday, Oct. 22 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the event will be held at the Santa Clara County Horsemen’s Association, located at 20350 McKean Road, San Jose.

“Besides promoting small business, the ABA aims to involve itself in the community,” said ABA member Rich De La Rosa. “We were looking for a fun and possibly annual event and came up with a poker night: the Texas Hold’em benefit tournament.”

ABA President Cathy Spielberger Cassetta recommends attending ABA’s Texas Hold’em benefit tournament to benefit the new Almaden Branch Library.

In researching where the funding raised by the benefit could best assist the community, De La Rosa realized that the Almaden Branch Library was the perfect candidate. “There was a tremendous need in the Children’s Story Time area, as they didn’t have money for furniture,” he said. “We spoke with the Library Foundation and found they needed $15,000, so we started approaching small business people who cared about the community.”

Answering the call, area small businesses contributed an impressive $13,000, and De La Rosa is hoping to raise another $5,000 to $10,000 through the tournament.

During the Texas Hold’em benefit tournament, dealers will be on hand to teach people how to play and players will be grouped by experience. There is a $100 buy-in to play and a $25 admission fee for non-players. Free food and drinks will be available as well as a no-host bar.

“Come play for fun and a good cause,” he said. The public is also invited to play for great prizes, donated by area businesses, such as a 42-inch plasma TV donated by the ABA and Best Buy.

For more information on the Texas Hold’em benefit tournament visit www.almadenbizassn.org.