On December 23, New England's media personality and top professional poker player Bernard Lee, donated holiday packages to more than 50 children in Milford, Massachusetts as a part of The Full House Charity Program. Lee even delivered the holiday packages in person, along with the help of his son and daughter.
The Full House Charity Program, launched in February 2011 by Lee, has provided a minimum of $10,000 worth of goods and fundraising causes each year for the past 5 years to charitable organizations in New England that aims to help children in need.
Eastern Poker Tour (EPT) and Chili's Grill and Bar Restaurants are co-sponsors.
Lee said, "I'm thrilled to bring the Full House Charity Program to a new location this year. My family and I were excited to meet new families and help them celebrate the holiday season. It gives me great joy to see the children smile when we hand them their packages. I'm so grateful my good fortune in the poker world allows me to give back to the community."
Lee and his children, residents of Wayland, Massachusetts, met with Milford Youth Center families and distributed holiday packages at the Marchegiano Club, 60 Meade St., Milford at around 5 p.m. on December 23.
Each family was given gift certificates that will cover the cost of a family meal at Chili's. Each of the children received a holiday package containing books, winter clothes, Sports Illustrated for Kids magazines, sports balls, art supplies, stuffed animals, board games, and toys. Most of the games and toys were donated by the RunGoodGear and Eastern Poker Tour poker pros. Lee received and honored specific requests from each and every child.
Bernard Lee hosts a poker radio show in the Boston area named "The Bernard Lee Poker Show", which integrates interviews with poker guests such as prominent industry personnel and popular players. In addition to announcing the latest poker news and related info, Lee uses e-mails and calls from listeners to discuss poker tips and topics. In November 2008, Cardplayer.com declared Lee to be "the voice of poker in New England".
Aside from being a professional poker player who finished 13th ($400,000) in the WSOP Main Event in 2005, Lee also represents Blue Shark Optics (BSO), the Official Poker Eyewear of the World Series of Poker. Additionally, BSO was named the official poker eyewear of specialty travel company Blaycation, of which Lee is the spokesperson.