On February 29th, more than 60 people gathered for the 3rd Annual YWCA’s Big Deal Poker Tournament.  The event supported YWCA Pasadena’s STEM based TechGyrls program which is designed so girls will be exposed to new and cutting edge technology and be inspired to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related coursework and careers.

Community members from throughout Southern California competed in the poker tournament, played casino games, and enjoyed music and food. YWCA Pasadena thanks  Pepsi, Warp2Biz, Douglas Elliman, Injoy Global, Lemon Law Aid, Carmen Vargas, Law Offices of Terrence Fantauzzi, Invaincu, and Fessenden Pool Service who sponsored the event.

Guests also enjoyed prizes and auction items from MC Fit,Access California Properties, Lisa Prather, Rod Turner, Pure Azul, Nicole Ong, Prime Trust , Tru Niagen/Chromadex, Richard Chen, Donna Lombardo-Johnson, Capsul Jewelry, Sayon Fitness , Magnolia, Burbank Tennis Center, Huntington Library and Gardens, Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, Dr. Ken Lu, and UCLA’s Doheny Eye Center. Thank you to all of the organizations who donated prizes and auction items.

TechGyrls participant Graciela Vega Martin and her mother Laura Vega Martin were honored guests. Laura spoke on the experiences of her daughter in the program and how much it has impacted their family.

More than $56,000 were raised for the TechGyrls Program.