August Was All About Friendships

August was about friends. Supporting friends who have supported us, coming together for a cause close to our hearts, and remembering a friend who became an important part of the ACES family. There was a lot to celebrate this month, along with a loss that reminded us just how much these friendships mean. ❤️

💜 Our Turn: Supporting Special Kneads & Treats

Special Kneads & Treats has been a longtime Friend of ACES, and their mission is especially close to our hearts.

They create meaningful employment and opportunities for adults with special needs, and ACES has long supported their mission as a $100-per-month C.A.K.E. Sponsor. They’ve supported us along the way, too, including providing some pretty incredible cupcakes for our Tournament of Champions. 🧁

This year, Special Kneads & Treats launched Project 250, an effort to raise $250,000 and build a community of 250 recurring C.A.K.E. Sponsors.

We decided it was time to do something extra.

On August 2, we held a special $200 Freeze-Out at Del Rio benefiting Special Kneads & Treats.

And our ACES family showed up.

Together, we raised $2,000! 💜

We’re grateful for the friendship we’ve built with Special Kneads & Treats and proud to continue supporting the opportunities they create for adults with special needs.

They’ve been there for us. This time, it was our turn. 💜

Learn more about their mission and Project 250 at Special Kneads & Treats.

❤️ Remembering Chris Thomas

August also brought heartbreaking news to our ACES family.

We lost Chris Thomas, a longtime ACES supporter, fantastic volunteer dealer, poker enthusiast, Tournament of Champions winner, and all-around great guy.

"Cee Tee" had been with us from the early days of ACES. He enjoyed playing, but was always willing to volunteer his time and help at our events. And in March, he had a moment we know meant a lot to him when he became our Season 18 Tournament of Champions winner. 🏆

Chris was so proud of that win, and we were so happy to celebrate it with him! This picture, with Chris behind his chips with his trophy, is one we’ll always treasure.

Most of all, Chris was our friend. We’re thankful for the games, the laughs, and all the good times we shared. He’ll be deeply missed and very fondly remembered.❤️