By Dave Lukow
Stacy Fuson knows all about the obstacles.
An accomplished model and actress, Fuson will be hosting the Third Annual Stacy Fuson Foundation Charity Poker Tournament Saturday, February 23 at Ability360 in Phoenix. The event benefits The Stacy Fuson Foundation, which raises money for the disabled.
Having been raised by a mother with polio, Fuson understands the difficulties those with disabilities face.
“Some people don’t get the assistance they need,” Fuson, Playboy’s Miss February in 1999, says.
The founder and executive director of the foundation, where she and everyone else work on a volunteer basis, Fuson hosts the tourney along with Jaime Edmondson Longoria and her husband, Evan. “He’s been at the event every year,” Fuson says. “They’re an amazingcouple.”
An avid and ranked poker player, Jaime was Playboy’s Miss January in 2010.
Last year proved a success for the trio and those benefitting from the efforts. Held in March, the Texas hold’em tournament raised more than $52,000 for those in need.
Of the proceeds this time out, 25 percent will go to Ability360’s Wheelchair softball and soccer teams. The balance (75percent) goes to The Stacy Fuson Foundation.
Jaime’s a professional model and a formercheerleader for the Miami Dolphins, while Evan has spent 15 years in Major League Baseball.
For his career, he has 992 runs, 331 home runs and 1,131 RBI. The winner of three Gold Gloves, Evan recently signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Fuson, with acting credits that include “Modern Family,” “Entourage,” “Shallow Hal,” and “Dead of Night,” hopes to surpass all-time highs in 2023.
“We’re looking to beat the amount raised and our attendance,” she says. “It was just over 200 last year.”
Poker pros from the Phoenix area have participated the first two years. Fuson wants to extend the competition’s reach.
“This year, we’re inviting some professional poker players from Vegas,” Fuson, a native of the state of Washington, says.
While poker is the main draw, there will be other ways to have fun at Ability360.
“If you don’t play poker, there’s also casino games,” Fuson, who’ll soon be joining a women’s poker league, says.
Hosting the tournament and enjoying the ambiance might seem sufficient motivation for many, but that’s not what’s driving Fuson.
“We’re able to change people’s lives,” she says. “Knowing my foundation helps people live a better life – that’s the best part.”
For more information on the Third Annual Stacy Fuson Foundation Charity Poker Tournament, go to: eventbrite.com and search Stacy Fuson Charity Poker Tournament.
Stacy Fuson appeared on the cover of Rounder Magazine in August 2008
