Complimentary Issue of Better Bridge Magazine March / April 2020 | Página 13

COME TO THE PARTY
“However, the donation is not
just about a bridge center. It’s
about bridging connections and
generations,” explains Linda Averett,
a good friend of Mathewson’s who
worked to secure and coordinate the
donation between Mathewson and
the bridge club. “Chuck believes
keeping one's mind active is the
secret to a long and productive life.
The center will help seniors who
play the game – social or duplicate
– stay mentally sharp and socially
connected.”
In addition, Chuck’s been a long-
time contributor to Reno Youth
Bridge, a non-profit organization
that supports the teaching of contract
bridge to students in the Washoe
County School District. Students
are awarded scholarships to colleges
and universities and sponsored trips
to national bridge competitions.
Kathy Lane (left) and Linda Averett
(right) worked tirelessly to coordinate
the donation and new facility for the
Bridge Center.
Players from Reno Youth Bridge can
play in the new bridge center for
free. “It’s Chuck’s way to encourage
them to put down their smartphones
and interact with people of all ages,”
says Averett.
When there isn’t a scheduled game,
the club can rent the facility for
C huck M athewson
Chuck Mathewson established the Charles N. Mathewson
Foundation to provide grants and donations to local and
regional charities. His generosity has benefited a wide range
of disciplines, including the arts, education, medical research,
and children, youth, and social services.
Chuck is a long-time resident of Reno. Beginning in the mid-
eighties, Mathewson was credited with helping to spur the
growth of the gaming and casino industry. He was Chairman
and CEO of International Game Technology (IGT), and IGT
dominated the slot machine business. It took advantage of
computer technology to deliver innovative products to both
gamers and the industry alike.
Chuck is an avid sailor and bridge player. He enjoys a
competitive game of social bridge and counts Bob Hamman
among his frequent partners.
special functions. The club also has a
private “party room” that the public
can use for other mind-exercising
games such as chess and pinochle.
To promote the Mathewson Bridge
Center, Averett and the team reached
out to various channels to get the
word out. They sent a press release.
Before and after the Grand Opening,
they arranged multiple local radio
and television interviews. They also
set up a partnership with Senior Care
Plus to help seniors get to the bridge
center and play. "Senior Care Plus is
the largest Medicare Advantage Plan
in Northern Nevada, with 9000
members over age 55. Bridge shares
the same demographics. Working
with them is a win-win," says Averett.
The Mathewson Bridge Center is a
big win for bridge and for Reno!
Congratulations!
B ob H amman
Bob Hamman is one of the greatest bridge players of all
time. He was part of the Dallas Aces, the first full-time
professional bridge team, formed by businessman and
bridge enthusiast, Ira Corn. Corn’s goal was to establish the
United States as a global bridge powerhouse and win back
the World Championship title. The Aces did in 1970 and
again in 1971.
Over the past seven decades, Hamman has won 15 world
championships and over 50 national championships. He
was inducted into the American Contract Bridge League
(ACBL) Hall of Fame in 1999. He is also the author of “At
the Table – My Life and Times”.
When he’s not competing on the bridge world stage,
Hamman is the founder and CEO of SCA Promotions, the
world's largest provider of prize insurance for promotional
sweepstakes and gaming contests.
B etter B ridge . com
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