I go a nice e-mail from the winner of the Charlie Tournament and she's given me permission to share it with you:
Hi,
I am sarahbellum. :-)
I just wanted to tell you all that it was an honor for me to play in the tournament, and it was a proud accomplishment to have won. Hey I scored a goal in my hockey game tonight too (played after the tournament)! It's been a very very good night for me.
I didn't know Charlie. I didn't know of Charlie until I read about him during his last days. I am not a blogger (yet?). I don't know you all, and you don't know me. But your written words (all of yours) brought me to the story of Charlie, and the story touched me over and over again.
I really think Pauly summed it up the best:
Las Vegas is a city built on greed. Poker is a game that often attracts some of the lowest forms of life. However, in the past two weeks, there has been a small group of professional poker players who have earned my respect and admiration. Amidst all the darkness and debauchery, I have caught a few glimpses of the bright side of humanity. The hearts of some of the biggest sharks in Las Vegas are filled with compassion.
I was in Vegas and I played in the WSOP. I witnessed some of the darkness and debauchery. And I am so very glad to know that, amidst it all, the bright side is there.
Anyways, thanks for letting me play in the tournament. And thanks for touching the lives of ordinary people with your writing. It is very much appreciated.
Go Charlie.
