MEXICO – Convening Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments every couple of months since December is starting to pay off for the Mexico Lions Club.

Records were set for the most money raised, paid out, number of players, and longest tournament at its fourth one held May 31 in the club building between the Mexico town office and fire station on Main Street.

“It’s really a great group of guys to play with,” club member Matt Gallant said after the game, although three of the 28 players were women.

The 8-hour tournament ended shortly after 6 p.m. when Joel Sanford of East Dixfield defeated Ron Savage of Bethel to win first place and a $580 payout.

Sanford “played consistent all day. The cards just rolled his way and he did a good job. But it was a great job by all of them,” Gallant said.

Savage took second place and $350, Evelyn Murray of Mexico won third and $250, and Debbie Murphy of Mexico won $110 for having the highest hand, four aces and a king.

Each player paid a $65 entry fee and received $1,400 worth of poker chips for betting.

For each tournament, the club submits $5 per player to the state, 75 percent of the take goes to players as prize money and the other 25 percent is the Lions’ share. Lunches were also sold to raise money.

“We cleared $550, our biggest so far. It goes into the general fund of the Lions Club. Some of it will be used for upkeep of this building, and a lot will be used for our 30th fishing derby that will be held on Valentine’s Day weekend in 2009,” Gallant said.

It was his suggestion as a new member last year that prompted the club to try Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments as fundraisers.

Among other things, the 42-year-old nonprofit organization helps people with eye-care and hearing difficulties.

The club’s next tournament will be held July 12.