B&G Club Benefits From Chess Exhibition

by Justin Rudolph

The Coffee Pod held the first chess benefit for the Ardmore Boys and Girls Club Saturday from 10 to 4. For a $5 donation, any one could try their chess strategy or skill against Ardmore Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Maalac Steele. 100% of every $5 donation went to the Boys and Girls Club of Ardmore.

Steele, with a pen and a piece of paper to remember moves, played 15 opponents simultaneously, winning most. He was boxed in by 15 chessboards on five tables and would make his move and move to the next board until all games were finished.

For those who defeated Steele, they were awarded prizes donated by The Myrtle Tree, Mainstreet Gifts and ChessBaseUSA, all of Ardmore.

Ardmore Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Maalac Steele contemplates his next move as he challenges 15 opponents at once during the Boys & Girls Club Chess Exhibition Benefit Feb. 17th. (photo by Justin Rudolph)

Over 25 games were played including Steele’s multi-player game. Chess enthusiasts from all over came to test their skills, including a family from Enterprise and Dothan, AL.

A total of $167 was raised for the Ardmore Boys and Girls Club after a $40 donation from the Coffee Pod.

Door prizes were donated for the benefit and the winners were randomly drawn. Tom Rezall won a Four Game Chess Set, Steve Spray won Collectible Chess Pieces, Alexander Beck won a Class Chess Game, Michelle Higgs won a Scooby Doo Activity Book, Edmond Labate won a 99 piece Art Pack and Victoria Beck won a Giant Lawn and Checkers Set.

Even without the weather’s full cooperation, the benefit was successful, and plans are already in the making for next year’s event.