More than 200 players entered last year's Rotary Club of Kissimmee's charity poker classic. The event begins Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Barney E. Veal Center, culminating in the championship on May 6.

The Rotary Club of Kissimmee is about to start its annual search for Osceola County's poker champion.

If you want to take the challenge, you'll be helping several local charities at a time when they need it most because of the tough economy.

The first of four preliminary events in the Rotary Club's fifth annual Texas Hold’em Charity Classic Poker Tournament is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Barney E. Veal Center (700 Generation Point in Kissimmee, off U.S. Highway 192 just west of Shady Lane and Florida's Turnpike on-ramp). 

The top eight finishers in tonight's tournament, and those on April 1, 15 and 29 will earn a prize of at least $100 value and qualify for a seat in the May 6 final.

The prize to the ultimate champion is still being worked out, but in years past the winner has received a trip to Las Vegas.

Last year's champion Brian Edwards returns for a title defense.

The entry fee is $60 for one event, or $200 for all four, and money raised will stay in Osceola County and go to benefit four local charities: Heavenly Hoofs, the Osceola County Council on Aging, the YMCA of Osceola County and the Boy Scouts.

The past four events have raised $10,000 or so each year, divided among the participating charities.

Rob Dent, council public relations director, and a member of the Kissimmee Rotary, said the tournament is a way for the club to raise up to $4,000 for local charities right on the heels of the Great Florida Shootout, which the rotary also runs to raise money for college scholarships.

"The need for funds is increasing, while the resources are dwindling,” he said. “The charities are also out actively recruiting for players, and this year we're latching on to the 'county championship' title for publicity.”

The event will have the big-time feel of a professional poker tournament. Dedicated dealers will run the game, food and beverages will be served and $10 satellite tournaments will run from 2:30 to 5 p.m. each day for a spot in that night's tournament. Consolation tournaments also will run each night for those who get knocked out early.

Much of the support for the event is also coming locally. Among event sponsors are KUA, Schoolfield Properties, Hanson, Walter & Associates, Osceola Memory Gardens and Johnston's Surveying.

Richard Burson, who said he's held “about every office you can hold,” with the Kissimmee Rotary, including past president and a Board of Directors member, said the event is capable of raising nearly as much money as the Shootout with less labor.

"We feel very fortunate to be able to give what we do,” he said. “It's a very good event for the Rotary Club.”

The event usually generates about 200 paid seats. Burson isn't just the poker chairman for the Rotary Club; he's also a client. He'll be occupying one of them, like he has in year's past.

"My $200 spends just the same as anyone else's,” he said.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, but players can sign up at the door. For more information, contact Burson at 407-908-0939.