Marking his fifth year of public service, poker professional and host of his eponymously named poker program Bernard Lee delivered holiday packages to 50 children in the Milford, MA area a few days prior to Christmas through his Full House Charity Program.
“I’m thrilled to bring the Full House Charity Program to a new location this year. My family and I were excited to meet new families and help them celebrate the holiday season,” said Lee, a Wayland, Mass. resident whose son and daughter who helped him distribute the packages on Wednesday. “It gives me great joy to see the children smile when we hand them their packages. I’m so grateful my good fortune in the poker world allows me to give back to the community.”
Lee has privately done this deed before, but 2015 brought some additional support. Chili’s Grill and Bar and the Eastern Poker Tour co-sponsored the event with Lee and added in some goodies of their own to the recipients of Lee’s outreach. The goods that each family received were impressive, as were the gifts for the individual children.
Each family received gift certificates that will cover the cost of a family meal at Chili’s. Every child received a holiday package that includes winter clothing, books, Sports Illustrated for Kids magazines, board games, sports balls, art supplies, stuffed animals and toys. Many of the toys and games were donated by the Eastern Poker Tour and RunGoodGear poker pros. Lee received and honored specific requests from every child and, all totaled, the amount of the gifts to the families exceeded $10,000.
Lee and his children met with Milford Youth Center families and handed out packages at the Marchegiano Club in Milford on Wednesday, something that was heartwarming to the staff. “We are excited Bernard could join us at the Milford Youth Center to celebrate the holiday season with some of our families. It is heartwarming to watch giving in action, and to know the children we serve each day are benefitting from the generosity of others,” said Sidney De Jesus, the center director.
The other organizations were more than happy to partner with Lee in his joyous celebration. “This is the third year in a row that the Eastern Poker Tour has partnered with Bernard to make a positive impact on the lives of families,” EPT President Glenn McCrory said. “Bernard is a long-time member of the EPT family as both a player and commentator, so it was natural for us to join him for such a great cause. We were also floored by our players’ generosity and excitement to help out a great local cause!”
“Chili’s appreciates the opportunity to spread holiday cheer at the Milford Youth Center,” said Patrick McClelland, area director of Chili’s Grill and Bar. “We look forward to this event each year knowing that we are helping make the holidays more enjoyable for families in Milford.”
Lee’s actions demonstrate the true meaning of the holiday season in looking out for your fellow man. Here’s wishing another five years – and even more – to Lee’s Full House Charity Program and the best of the season to those who benefitted from the organizations’ gifts.
