Bernard Lee Continues 12-Year Holiday Tradition of Helping Boston-Area Homeless Families
One of poker’s longest-running traditions during the holiday season is that of poker player and media personality Bernard Lee helping homeless families in the Boston area. For the 12th year in a row, Lee and his family were busy helping those in need, which included gifting customized holiday gift packages to 65 children and 40 families experiencing.
Lee’s initiative, The Full House Charity Program, arrange customized holiday packages, which include winter clothing, books, toys, games, sports equipment, and art supplies. Lee and his children, who work side-by-side with him each year, also provide each child with his or her own stuffed animal.
“My children and I look forward to this holiday tradition, as it brings so much joy and happiness to my family,” said Lee. “We feel blessed to provide holiday gifts to these families, especially the children who may not have been able to afford such gifts during this difficult time. Thankfully, we have a wonderful partner in FamilyAid, who helps us deliver these packages to specific families in Boston. Additionally, thank you to my RunGoodGear family, who every holiday season donate toys to my cause. Happy Holidays to everyone.”
For the past seven years, Bernard has joined forces with FamilyAid to provide customized packages to the families.
“FamilyAid is thrilled and grateful that Bernard Lee is providing gifts to the children in our shelters again this holiday season. His generous donations come at a time when families are facing more limited financial resources than ever. For many struggling families, providing holiday gifts is daunting, if not impossible,” said FamilyAid President Larry Seamans. “Thanks to Bernard and his family, children in our care will have presents to enjoy and parents will be relieved to see their children’s smiles. We thank the Lee Family for their continuing generosity, compassion, and commitment.”
Not only that, RunGoodGear (RGG) and the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS), which recently concluded its season-ending Pro-AM in Las Vegas (Survivor’s “Boston” Rob Mariano won that tournament), has served as one of the primary sponsors of the program. RGG and its ambassadors have provided funds to help provide specific toys for these needy children.
“It has been amazing to see Bernard year after year provide a special holiday for families,” emphasized Tana Karn, President and Founder of RunGoodGear.com “The RunGood team and I are thankful to be able to help Bernard bring about a memorable holiday season for this year and more to come.”
Lee launched his Full House Charity Program in February 2011, and has since provided more than $100,000 worth of goods and funds to children-focused organizations in New England. The program has helped over 450 families and 750 children during its history.
About FamilyAid Boston
FamilyAid Boston empowers parents and caregivers facing homelessness to secure and sustain housing and build foundations for their children’s futures. As a leading provider to families facing homelessness in Greater Boston, FamilyAid Boston offers a comprehensive set of programs and services including emergency shelter, housing supports, services for children, and is the city’s largest provider of private homelessness prevention resources for families. Over the past year, FamilyAid Boston helped 1,600 homeless children and parents on their path to stable housing.
For more information on FamilyAid Boston, please visit familyaidboston.org.
*Images courtesy of Bernard Lee.
