Families gathered at the Canyon Country Community Center on Friday for Family Promise of Santa Clarita’s Poker or Paint for a Purpose fundraising event.

On Friday, the nonprofit Family Promise of Santa Clarita hosted its second poker event to raise funds to support local families experiencing homelessness.

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“It is $119 dollars for one night at a hotel. That’s what it costs in Santa Clarita to put a family in a motel,” said Roché Vermaak, Executive Director of Development of Family Promise. “This is what the funds are used for. We house families anywhere from 1-28 days in a hotel.”

This is the second poker event hosted by Family Promise. The first was held in 2019 prior to the pandemic.

“Events like this create awareness,” said Vermaak. “We decided we wanted to attract more women to the event so we have a Paint and Pinot event as well (as a poker tournament).”

Registration for the poker tournament was $100 per person, with buy-ins and add-ons available for purchase at the event. For non-poker player attendees, registration for a painting session under the guidance of a team of artists was available for $25 per person.

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All proceeds generated went toward providing services for Santa Clarita families experiencing homelessness, according to Family Promise.

While some were busy playing poker at the event, others across the hall were painting away with Amy Hovsepian, artist and founder of Out Of The Box, who was leading art sessions.

“My company came to be part of tonight’s festivities to raise much-needed awareness, hope, and money for homeless families,” Hovsepian said.

People painted many different patterns and landscapes. Some followed Amy’s lessons while others free-handed famous Santa Clarita landscapes.

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“I think Santa Clarita gives a lot,” Hovsepian said. “If we are fortunate enough to have such a wonderful life here, we want that for all the other little kids on the planet. Let them know that this community wants to support them and help them grow here.”

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