Local 705 Member Wins Teamster Poker Tournament

Charity Event Raises Money for James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund

On May 21, Juan Campos, Teamsters Local 705 Recording Secretary, became the 2008 champion of the “All In For Education” Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament to support the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship. 

Teamsters Local 705 Recording Secretary Juan Campos (left) displays the tournament bracelet he won at the 2008 “All In For Education” Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament in Las Vegas.

“I played against some great guys, but I had an advantage over everyone else,” Campos said.  “About 29 Local 705 members were there cheering me on; it felt like I had home field advantage.  After that, it was history.”

The three-day tournament had 96 Teamster members competing for a prize package and bragging rights.  This is the third year the poker tournament has been held alongside the 7th Annual “Drive for Education” Golf Tournament. 

“When you are play in this competition, you are representing your local.  And you want your local to be the best,” Campos said.  “My boss, Steve Pocztowski, has already said I will be there to defend my title next year and represent Local 705.” 

After coming in second place last year, Campos left Las Vegas this year with the first place prize package.  The prize included the tournament bracelet, $1,500, two American Airlines tickets, and a three-day stay at any Hilton Hotel in the United States.  

The poker tournament began in 2006 as fundraising activity for the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund.  The fund is a non-profit, stand-alone, charitable organization created to honor the memory of Teamsters General President James R. Hoffa and to increase the funding available for the education of Teamster family members. 

Teamsters Local 705 represent approximately 18,000 members throughout the Chicagoland area, including truck drivers, oil drivers, filing station and platform workers. 

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