17-02-2025
'Cribbagepalooza' raises funds for veterans services
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Saturday, Feb. 16, fans of the classic card game Cribbage, and supporters of local veterans, came together for the second annual 'Cribbagepalooza' in Colorado Springs.
Players and veterans participated in a lighthearted competition that welcomed everyone, from seasoned pros to beginners simply looking for a good time. The event raised money for Mt. Carmel Veterans Services and its programs supporting military families in the region.
'Cribbage is a card game,' said Chuck Denham, a retired Air Force Veteran. 'You get six cards, you keep four, put two in what's called the crib. The dealer gets the crib. So you start playing cards. The idea is to get to 15 and to 31 pairs, three of a kind runs; they all count, but you can't go over 31.'
24 players took part in the event, raising $610 for Mt. Carmel. Denham won the tournament. 'I enjoy cribbage,' he said. 'Numbers are my game. I'm a mathematician by education and trade, and I just love the counting.'
Justina Baker, the Community Outreach Volunteer Coordinator at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, spoke about the importance of programs to help veterans in the community.
'We are a largely populated veteran community here, we have the most bases surrounding [us],' said Baker. 'We need the most help. So we help with everything from transition employment, to suicide prevention, with the Next Chapter, and veterans that need help on their benefits. If we can't help you, we know somebody that can, but we do everything here and we're just super grateful.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
