First Toys for Tots Poker Tournament Held at Railroad Building

Having a business that’s an official Marine Corps Toys for Tots drop site is a great idea—having a poker tournament night at your business with a donated toy as the entry fee is even better, said Matthew Bubacz, the promoter of the Prince William County Entertainment in Manassas Park.

The result? More than 100 toys were donated Friday during the 1st Annual Prince William County Entertainment Toys for Tots Poker Tournament.

For their generosity, players received an allotment of tournament chips; the more toys they donated (up to three) the more chips they received, he said.

Bubacz said he got the idea for a Toys for Tots poker night at the center back in early November after noticing the collection boxes at most of the official Toys for Tots drop sites languished empty.

“We knew we were going to be a registered Toys for Toys drop-off site, but then we were thinking, ‘What can we really do to blow this up?’” he said.

The marketing team spread the word about the event via a Web page and Facebook. He also sent out an email blast to his business contacts, said Bubacz, who is also the loan officer of West Star Mortgage Inc. in Woodbridge.

“People have responded amazingly,” he said.

Some 40 players got to play Texas Hold ‘Em at Friday's event.  In all, 65 people attended.

 Owners Michael Bramboe and John Csoka donated the use of the space for the event, while several businesses sponsored each of the poker tables. Old Town Sports Pub in Manassas donated the food for the event.

Businesses, such as Gold’s Gym, chipped in and donated guest prizes, he said.

Bubacz, along with the two owners of facility, plan to do more charity events at the center, which opened in August and is located at the corner of Manassas Drive and Railroad Drive near the Manassas Park Virginia Railway Express stop.