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Play poker for a cause

Help raise money for the Canucks Autism Network.
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Mark Scheller will have three years of hair shaved at a fund-raising poker tournament in Courtenay. Photo supplied

An upcoming poker tournament/silent auction will be raising money for an organization dedicated to providing year-round sports and recreation programs for people with autism.

Vancouver Canucks co-owners Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son has autism, founded the Canucks Autism Network. Bob Coltart, a local representative of the network, has organized the third annual Charity Poker Tournament and Silent Auction, March 11 at the Mex Pub.

The first two events raised more than $6,000 for the network.

This year’s tourney includes an added twist.

“One of my players is making a huge sacrifice,” Coltart said, referring to Mark Scheller, who will have his head and beard shaved to raise further funds. “He has not groomed for three years. He’s giving all of it.”

The poker tourney has a 100-player maximum with a $50 buy-in. Tickets are available at the Mex or from Coltart at 250-792-5546.

The auction is open to the public. Items up for grabs include a signed hockey stick from Canucks rookie forward Brock Boeser, and a stick signed by the team.

FMI: check the Facebook event page, and enter ‘charity poker tournament and silent auction.’