Henry Daily Herald

By Jason A. Smith

jsmith@henryherald.com

STOCKBRIDGE — Card sharks are coming to Stockbridge, but for a good cause this time.

The inaugural Willett Honda Texas Hold ’Em Tournament will be from 6 p.m. until midnight Saturday at Eagle’s Landing Country Club. Proceeds will benefit the Willett Foundation and Prevent Child Abuse Henry County.

The foundation’s Executive Director, Adam Stanfield, has organized similar tournaments in the past through his former affiliations with the Hands of Hope Clinic and Piedmont Henry Hospital.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “The community really likes it.”

Stanfield said the 2011 tournament generated more than $11,000 for the hospital.

“Our intent is to have the event represent as close to the World Series of Poker as we can,” he said. “Each sponsored table will play amongst themselves to produce one champion. Each champion will then move to the Championship Table located in the center of the ballroom. From there, with all of the spectators looking on, the individual champions will slowly eliminate each other until there is only one player left who will be crowned The Inaugural Willett Honda Texas Hold’em Champion.”

Home Helpers Inc. is the royal flush presenting sponsor for the tournament, and Sacred Journey Hospice is the double down dessert sponsor. Mid-Georgia financial is sponsoring an ‘I Wish I Had The Nutz’ Second Chance Table, and additional sponsorships are in place at 11 tables for the tournament, said Stanfield.

Robin Jones, program coordinator for Prevent Child Abuse Henry County, said she is excited to work with the Willett Foundation.

“We think it’s a great way to partner with the community,” said Jones. “We’re always looking for ways to collaborate with other members of the community.”

Prevent Child Abuse Henry County concentrates its efforts on eliminating child abuse and neglect. Jones said the organization conducts awareness campaigns throughout the year, including a Pinwheels for Prevention event in April, when pinwheels adorn the McDonough Square in honor of child-abuse victims.