Commerce Casino Hosts Ladies Poker Dream Weekend

All records were broken during the recently concluded Ladies Poker Dream Weekend tournament at Commerce Casino in Commerce, California. Tournament Director Cheri Dokken was pleased with the turnout of more than 400 entrants who vied for the coveted championship signature pendant that was awarded to the best all-around player. Popular Commerce Casino hostess Niki Andrew won this award after winning first place in the seven-card stud event and fifth place in the second limit hold'em event.

"I am thrilled to have fared so well this wonderful weekend. I have played in relatively few tournaments, but now I am hooked!" Andrew said. "This was a first-class event in every way. The Armani statues awarded to the winners are beautiful, and I will cherish my beautiful pendant forever."

A tasty buffet was spread daily for the ladies. They also got to sample champagne drinks with a splash of raspberry or peach schnapps. In addition, Mikasa crystal gifts were given to each entrant. Commerce Casino generously donated $3,500 for the opening freeroll event, and added $2,000 to each of the $50 buy-in events. The casino also awarded several $1,570 entries for its $1 million-guaranteed L.A. Poker Classic event on Feb. 9, 2002. Bounty gifts were given away each day to players who eliminated specific contestants. There were several tables of players desiring instruction, and every year Commerce Casino provides time and space to accommodate them. These ladies then go on to enjoy the game of poker, as they are more at ease playing.

A special gift was given to the eldest woman in the tournament, and she also became one of the bounties! She turned out to be Roxanne Leabow, who, at 91 years of age, still participates regularly in poker events. Coincidentally, that same day, she was celebrating her 72nd wedding anniversary. Her husband was in the cardroom playing live-action poker!

Women from several casinos showed up in mass to be supportive of the Ladies Poker Dream Weekend. Ocean's Eleven Casino donated entries for events at its Sept. 20-24, 2001, California Ladies State Poker Championship to players who went out on the bubble (one out of the money). Also, more than 20 women from The Bicycle Casino played throughout the weekend.

Special thanks go to Cheri Dokken and her staff, Assistant Tournament Director Steph Stapornkul, floormen Eric Ziegler and Will Boyett, and registrars Ginger Keaotamae and Pia Pellegrin. Commerce Casino is already planning next year's event, and with its hotel opening soon, it should be even more fun, as there will be enhanced accessibility for those of us coming in from out of town.

Following are results of the tournaments:

$10 limit hold'em freeroll

Entrants: 227 o Prize pool: $3,500

1. Roxine Behrens, Manhattan Beach, CA $1,295

2. Shauna Madrigal, W. Hollywood, CA 665

3. Chris Wong, Baton Rouge, LA 315

4. Marie Paul, Pasadena, CA 210

5. Pam Aguirre, Pasadena, CA 140

6. Chris Bukna, W. Covina, CA 123

7. Lucy Rossling, Simi Valley, CA 105

8. Susie Isaacs, Las Vegas, NV 95

9. Jan Somchub, Hawthorne, CA 81

$50 seven-card stud ($2,000 added)

Entrants: 100 o Prize pool: $7,000

1. Niki Andrew, Dana Point, CA $2,800

2. Christine Nabhani, Chicago, IL 1,400

3. Marie Sohn, Downey, CA 700

4. Jan Williams, Cerritos, CA 420

5. Sharon Norman, Riverside, CA 350

6. Maidi Zusman, Quail Valley, CA 280

7. Irene Williams, Culver City, CA 210

8. Angie Marquez, Alhambra, CA 140

$50 limit hold'em ($2,000 added)

Entrants: 120 o Prize pool: $8,000

1. Joann Siegel, Las Vegas, NV $2,960

2. Jeri Lynn Lee, Moreno Valley, CA 1,520

3. Julia Meyers, San Jose, CA 720

4. Joaseitte Tanaka, San Pedro, CA 480

5. Niki Andrew, Dana Point, CA 320

6. Angelina Fratzke, Fullerton, CA 280

7. Betty Tannenbaum, Las Vegas, NV 240

8. Mila Ng, Northridge, CA 216

9. Shari Egigian, Anaheim, CA 184