|
|
Fundraiser for Garcia expected to net $120,000 Thursday night's benefit poker tournament for Noe Garcia, the injured groom for seven-time Grade 1 hero LAVA MAN (Slew City Slew), is expected to net $120,000, according to Dennis O'Neill. "It went extremely well, far above anyone's expectations," said O'Neill, the brother of Lava Man's trainer, Doug O'Neill. O'Neill said that 310 players took part in the tournament at the Del Mar Hilton. Proceeds from the entry fees and the silent auction totaled approximately $165,000, and after the roughly $45,000 in expenses are paid, the net will be in the vicinity of $120,000. Garcia's left arm was severed in an auto accident on July 23. The benefit was planned to assist him with his rehabilitation, especially the purchase of a prosthesis for the left arm. Dennis O'Neill's wife, Tammy, created and oversaw the silent auction. Horse owner Mark Carter won the poker tournament, with jockeys David Flores and Isaias Enriquez rounding out the trifecta. At the gathering, Garcia was saluted with a standing ovation. The crowd also rose to its feet to honor Juan Arrendondo-Ponce, the man credited with helping to save Garcia's life by attending to him following the crash and prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel. More information on Garcia is available at lavamanshero.com.
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
