HFLA NEWS

7th Annual Poker Tournament a Huge Success

High Stakes, Big Impact: Record-Breaking HFLA Poker Tournament Brings Joy and Support

By Debbie Cohen | June 2025

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Epstein Family Community Hall at Shalom Austin was buzzing with excitement as Hebrew Free Loan of Austin (HFLA) hosted its 7th Annual Joe Krassner Memorial Poker Tournament of Champions. The beloved event welcomed a record 100 players—adding two full tables more than ever before—and raised over $57,500 to fund interest-free loans for individuals and families facing critical financial challenges.

The annual tournament, a much-anticipated highlight of the community calendar, featured a festive evening complete with Rambler sparkling water, beer from Batch, and snacks courtesy of Skinny Pop. Players competed for more than ten prize packages valued in the thousands, including a paid trip to Las Vegas, a 70” smart TV, and family experience bundles across Austin. New this year was the popular “Second Chance” table, which gave players who had busted out early a fresh shot at victory—and more chances to support a great cause.

Congratulations to this year’s tournament champion, Yishai Selig, who outplayed a field of seasoned competitors to take home the top prize. Rounding out the impressive roster of Top 10 finalists were Victor Yin, Laurence Statman, Jeff Kaplan, Mike Kline, Paige Solka, Ed Hockfield, Amy Prescott, LJ Sternberg, and Tom Scopazzi. These talented players brought skill, energy, and friendly competition to the tables all night long.

This year’s event was co-chaired by long-time tournament regular Scott Einaugler and board member Richard Anton. “I started coming to the Poker Tournament about seven years ago because I’ve always loved the game, and I thought Hebrew Free Loan was such a wonderful cause—helping people in need in a way that preserves their dignity,” said Einaugler.

Scott added, “When I was asked to serve as chair, I was truly honored. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous impact this event has, not just in raising critical funds, but in bringing our community together. It’s special to see so many people in one room connecting, sharing stories, and learning about how HFLA changes lives. It’s been a fantastic experience, and I couldn’t be more excited to hopefully do it again next year.”

Guests also enjoyed complimentary chair massages by proud HFLA borrower and wellness professional Keryn Hawthorne, whose presence added a relaxing touch and a powerful reminder of how HFLA changes lives.

While the night was packed with fun and camaraderie, the emotional centerpiece came when borrower Mariette Hummel took the mic to share her heartfelt story:

“I’m the proud mother of two beautiful children. I have an 11-year-old son—he’s smart and curious and so kind. And I also have a 3-year-old daughter. She’s wild and fun and very fierce. And she is the light that came after a very dark chapter in our lives.”

“She is here because of the IVF treatment I was able to get because of a loan from HFLA. Our journey to Lily wasn’t easy. It took six years, five devastating pregnancy losses, and a lot of emotional, financial, and physical strain,” Hummel continued. “The reality is that fertility treatments are incredibly expensive. And while children are priceless, they also come with a price tag.”

“HFLA didn’t just offer financial support. It was an offering of dignity. They were offering hope as well… The process was simple; it was warm and respectful, thanks to [Director of Operations] Debbie Cohen… This loan allowed us to grow our family with dignity.” Mariette explained that she shared this very personal story, not because it’s easy, but because it’s needed. “There is a little girl named Lily Hope in this world because HFLA trusted in us and supported us. We are forever grateful.”

Two generous Royal Flush sponsors—Loewy Law Firm and Austin National Financial Services—contributed at the $5,000 level, helping make the evening such a financial and community success.

Jake Cohen, Executive Director of Congregation Beth Israel and a repeat tournament participant, summed up the spirit of the night perfectly, “Hebrew Free Loan Association is an incredible nonprofit, and we are lucky to have them in Austin. The Joe Krassner Memorial Poker Tournament is the most fun I have at a fundraiser every year. The game is well run; the folks you get to meet at every table are fantastic; and most importantly, you hear a real story from an HFLA borrower about the impact your giving has on their lives. I’ve never felt better about losing at poker than when I am at the HFLA tournament!”

Year-round, Hebrew Free Loan of Austin helps build a stronger Jewish community by offering interest-free loans to fellow Jews experiencing critical financial challenges and in need of a hand up. Events like this tournament not only raise essential funds, but also remind us that it takes a committed community to sustain this unique model of dignity-based lending. Loan programs support everything from debt consolidation and medical procedures to mental health care, life cycle events, fertility treatments, school tuition, and more.

Whether you came to play poker, win a prize, hear an inspiring story, or simply be with community, the 7th Annual Poker Tournament of Champions delivered a night of impact, joy, and connection. And from the looks of it, next year’s tournament is already shaping up to be another can’t-miss event. As HFLA continues its work to meet growing needs across Austin, the ongoing partnership of our community is what makes it all possible.