The holiday season brings with it a number of annual traditions, including those we see at and away from the poker felt. One such tradition that never fails to warm our hearts is the annual charitable effort put forth by poker pro and media personality Bernard Lee and his family to bring joy and love to dozens of children and families in his local area near Boston, Massachusetts.
For the 12th straight year, the Lee family devoted their time and effort to putting together packages for distribution to needy families in their area. The giving of the packages to 65 children and 40 families represents the culmination of months’ worth of effort by Bernard Lee and his children, Noah and Maya.
As part of the initiative, named The Full House Charity Program, the Lees arrange customized holiday packages, which include winter clothing, books, toys, games, sports equipment, and art supplies, as well as a stuffed animal to each child. Each package is hand-packed with all of the items, for which the Lees collect donated funds as well as contribute funds of their own.
Among the donors and primary sponsors for the initiative for the seventh straight year is RunGoodGear, poker’s premier apparel company, which supports the initiative through a generous donation of toys for the children. “It has been amazing to see Bernard year after year provide a special holiday for families,” emphasized Tana Karn, President and Founder of RunGoodGear.com “The RunGood team and I are thankful to be able to help Bernard bring about a memorable holiday season for this year and more to come.”
The Lees once again partnered with FamilyAid – which empowers parents and caregivers facing homelessness to secure and sustain housing and build foundations for their children’s futures – to distribute the holiday packages.
“FamilyAid is thrilled and grateful that Bernard Lee is providing gifts to the children in our shelters again this holiday season. His generous donations come at a time when families are facing more limited financial resources than ever. For many struggling families, providing holiday gifts is daunting, if not impossible,” said FamilyAid President Larry Seamans. “Thanks to Bernard and his family, children in our care will have presents to enjoy and parents will be relieved to see their children’s smiles. We thank the Lee Family for their continuing generosity, compassion, and commitment.”
Lee, whose Bernard Lee Poker Show recaps and highlights we proudly publish here on Cardplayer Lifestyle, launched his Full House Charity Program in February of 2011, and has since provided more than $100,000 worth of goods and funds to children-focused organizations in New England. The program has helped over 450 families and 750 children during its 12-year history.
