State Reps win $21,000 for Rhode Island charities at Twin River Blackjack Tournament – Newport Buzz

Members of the House of Representatives won a total of $21,000 for Rhode Island charities today at the Eighth Annual Holiday Charity Blackjack Tournament for Charity at Ballys Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort today.

This is an enjoyable way to raise money for good causes throughout our state, said Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). While it was a fun event, our commitment to the communities we serve is very serious, and Im very proud that we raised more than $20,000 for local charities.

Rep. Scott A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence) came in second overall, which garnered him a $7,500 contribution from Ballys to his charity of choice, Providence Rescue Mission. Speaker Shekarchi took third place, earning $5,000 for Go Fetch Animal Rescue of Warwick. Rounding out the finalists, Majority Leader Christopher R. Blazejewskis (D-Dist. 2, Providence) fourth place earned $3,500 for Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

While Representatives Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown), John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth), Mary Duffy Messier (D-Dist. 62, Pawtucket), William W. OBrien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence), and Mary Ann Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket) didnt make it to the final round, their participation ensured $1,000 contributions to each of their charities, respectively: Newport Housing Hotline, Tiverton Senior Center, St. Teresas Senior Club of Pawtucket, Lymansville VFW Post of North Providence, and Foster Forward.

A total of $60,000 was donated. Thirty-six players participated on behalf of their selected Rhode Island charity. All charities received a minimum $1000. To date, approximately $450,000 has been given to local charities from this festive holiday event.

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State Reps win $21,000 for Rhode Island charities at Twin River Blackjack Tournament - Newport Buzz