We want to give you $2,000

Well, only if you are a undergraduate or graduate college student studying in the Boston area...

Starting today PRSA Boston is accepting applications for its 2007-2008 Scholarship Grant Program, which provides financial support – on the basis of financial need and academic merit – to college students or researchers in the communications field.

The amount of this year’s grant will be $2,000 (Thanks to all of you that played poker).

Undergraduate and graduate students attending a college or university in eastern Massachusetts are eligible, as are individuals conducting communications or public relations research. Additionally, the grant can be used by a student working in an unpaid internship at a nonprofit organization.

Grant applications are available now. Applicants can obtain a copy by contacting PRSA Boston chapter administrator Beth Bryant at 617-926-9595 or bbwrites@verizon.net.

The deadline for applications is May 15, 2007. The winner will be announced at a chapter meeting during the summer.

This is the 7th year we have awarded the grant and I am personally glad we can help others with their PR education.

Crowning the Champion

Last night, 50+ PR professionals came together for the 1st PRSA Boston/PR Newswire Charity Poker Tournament. Based on the comments I recevied from the people that were there is was a great event. (I know I had a great time, despite not making it to the final table).

It was great to see so many new faces, and so many different agencies represented. There was a strong contingent from Schwartz Communications (the agency for which I work), With Racepoint, Topaz, Text 100, LP&P, Schneider, EmergePR, Horn Group and other agencies and independent practitioners well represented. We had relatively few corporate players.

The food was plentiful, the drinks were good and the poker was fast and furious. It was a great chance to network and have fun.

The event started at 6:45 and wrapped up by 10:30. We had people come back from the brink numerous times, a staight flush, first time poker players making it to the top twenty and lots of laughs.

Most importantly, due to this event, the PRSA Boston Scholarship can now be $2,000 for a deserving college student. Thank you for all you support - and special thanks to our sponsor - PR Newswire, they do a great job. Without their support, the event would not have been possible. Thanks to the Waltham Elks for letting us have the event there as well.



Following are some images from the event:

The final table














Bottom left and going around clockwise: Patrick Richardson (Schneider), Joe Pacheco (Schwartz), Jess Fiorelli (Schwartz), Tim Whitman (Schwartz), Davd Weiner (PR Newswire) Chris Poisson (Schwartz), George DeTorres (MultiVu), Mystery man (sorry), Peter (the dealer), Jon Siegal (Schwartz), Darlene Hollywood (HollywoodPR)

The Winner and his winning hand: (Jon Siegal, Schwartz)

The award ceremony:

Left to Right: Dan Evans (PR Newswire)

George DeTores (Best Corporate Player, MultiVu)

Jon Siegal (Champion, Schwartz Communications)

Tim Whitman (Best Agency Player, Schwartz Communications)

Mark W. McClennan, APR (President PRSA Boston, Schwartz Communications)

Thanks everyone for turning up, share your comments on the event.

Are you the best?

Are you the best? Do you want to help a good cause and find out? Do you want to have some fun networking? Well on March 28, Boston PR professionals get the chance to find out at PRSA Boston's regular meeting.

What am I talking about? At the regular meeting, we will be having the first ever PRSA Boston/PR Newswire Poker Tournament to find out who is the best PR poker player in Boston. (All proceeds benefit the PRSA Scholarship fund, which has given out close to $10,000 to date).

Trophies (courtesy of PR Newswire) will be awarded to:
The Best Player
The Best Agency Player
The Best Corporate Player

Note: No cash prizes will be awarded, just bragging rights for the year and the chance to help a good cause.

This tournament is being held in conjunction with our meeting and is appropriate for people with even just a basic knowledge of No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Poker. If you haven’t played in years, that is no excuse. All you need to win is a chip and a chair!

For more details, go here.

Rumor has it, one PR agency (not Schwartz) has already claimed they will win best overall and best agency. Are you going to let them?