The Fifth Annual Holiday Charity Blackjack Tournament at Twin River Casino was held on December 6, 2017, as part of its annual charitable efforts. Brian Hunter of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce played for the Town of Lincoln Holiday Food Basket Program and received the grand prize of $10,000. A total of $60,000 was donated by the 36 players who participated on behalf of their selected Rhode Island charity. All charities received a minimum $1,000. To date, $335,000 has been given to local charities from the annual tournament.
Rep. Patricia Serpa who placed third and received $5,000 for the West Warwick Animal Shelter; Mark Harriman of the Twin River Advisory Committee whose charity, the Mal Brown Scholarship at Providence College, will receive $1,500; John Gregory of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce who placed fifth and whose charity, Special Olympics of Rhode Island, will receive $2,500; first place winner Brian Hunter of the Twin River Advisory Committee received the grand prize of $10,000 for the Town of Lincoln Holiday Food Basket Program; Sen. MaryEllen Goodwin who placed fourth for the Mary House Food Pantry & Shelter which will receive $3,500; second place winner Senate President Dominick Ruggerio who garnered $7,500 for the Holy Family Home for Women and Children; and Chairman of Twin River Management Group, John E. Taylor, Jr.
