By Angela Higginbotham
angela@floridanewsline.com
Year after year, the Riverwood Poker Club and the United States Marine Corps Reserve have brought a smile to so many children. Thousands have had new toys to enjoy over the holiday season as a result of the great collaboration between the Riverwood Poker Club, part of Del Webb in Nocatee, and the United States Marine Corps Reserve during the fifth annual Toys for Tots drive.
Former Riverwood Poker Club president Bob Finger created the first toy drive and over the years, the effort has become a huge and highly anticipated success. The Del Webb community of Nocatee has become the largest non-corporate donor to Toys for Tots in both St. Johns and Putnam counties. Each year the toy drive has become bigger and more successful than the previous year.
Toy donations started being received immediately following Thanksgiving day and the drive concluded at a large gala event inside the community’s clubhouse ballroom in mid-December. United States Marine Corps dignitaries, uniformed Marines, and approximately 300 guests joined in on the gala. Known as the best party in Del Webb, guests enjoyed a sit down dinner and a presentation of the toy drive’s success.
“In addition to toys, money donations are also collected. We were able to present to the United States Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots drive, a check for $3,200 and close to $9,000 in toys,” said Riverwood Poker Club event planner Marie Ford.
The gala event was catered by Davoli’s Catering, decorated by Celebrity Event Decor and entertainment was provided by Cloud 9 Band.
With approximately 114 members, the Riverwood Poker Club hosts tournament style Texas Hold’em on Friday afternoons and in the evening on the second Wednesday of each month for Del Webb residents. Lessons are provided every Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the ballroom. Orientation is required before play and prizes and bonuses can be won. Visit www.dwpontevedra.net for more information.
Photo courtesy Riverwood Poker Club
The Del Webb community of Nocatee has become the largest non-corporate donor to Toys for Tots in both St. Johns and Putnam counties.
