Commerce Casino’s Host to a Classy Ladies Poker Dream Weekend.
It was a cold and winery day … typical of the New Jersey weather at Christmas. The aroma of fresh pumpkin pie, spiced apple cider, and a stuffed turkey filled the air in the home of the DeKenipps. Shortly the family would gather for dinner and the sharing of gifts.
But a soon-to-be-born baby had different plans. As she kicked about tirelessly, the Christmas holiday was put aside while Papa John bundled up Yvonne and rushed her to the hospital for the delivery of their biggest Christmas gift of all — little Rosanna Stanley.
Rosanne grew up, curious and content, and protected the by her three brothers — Dennis, Bob, and John. And as they shared the mixed joys and trials of family life, the DeKenipp family had one thing in common — poker! Every family holiday and get-together ended up the way … warm greetings, food lovingly prepared, and then the appearance of the poker chips and cards. And who taught Rosanne how to play a great game of poker. Not her father … not her three brothers … but mother Yvonne!
Rosanne made her first visit to Las Vegas in 1977. She would watch players at the tables playing poker. Four trips later and she was still a railbird. “l wanted to play so badly, but I was chicken,” she said. Finally, in 1979, “I went to Vegas again and I told myself that I would have the courage to play and nothing would stop me this time,” Rosanne said in her enthusiastic manner. She broke the ice when she played in a $1-$3 limit game at Silver City.
Her visits to Las Vegas ended in 1988 when she a permanent resident of the Silver State. Now she played poker regularly on a recreational basis. Then Rosanne discovered the world of tournaments. She discovered that the competitiveness and excitement of these events got her adrenalin really flowing. She also picked up a lot of helpful moves from her well-known spouse Ron Stanley who she would “sweat” at many tournaments over the years of their marriage.
When away from the poker scene, Rosanne enjoys spending time with her parents who made the move to Vegas a few years ago. When she arrives home, she is warmly welcomed, by her two dogs — Pasta (a Keeshond) and Rocki (a Collie).
It is now August of 1998 and the news was out that the Commerce Casino was holding a Ladies Poker Dream Weekend. Her friends encouraged Rosanne to make the trip with them and the rest is history as they say.
“I never antic pated winning the Best All Around Player Award. I felt like a novice against some of the ladies,” said Rosanne. But she scored the most points with a win in the seven-card stud tournament and a third-place finish in the hold’em event.
“And the funny part of it is that I never had any big hands. I never picked up a pair of aces in the hold’em tournament and I was never rolled up in the stud event. I stayed focused, however, and played my best game. Fortunately I was never in a position where I had to move all-in. It was truly a phenomenal experience for me. One I’ll never forget!” she stated.
When asked what players she admires most, she said without hesitation,“Mike Sexton, Tom McEvoy, and Susie Isaacs.”
Rosanne ended our interview with kudos to the Commerce Casino. She was, as she put it, “overwhelmed by all that they did to make the Ladies Poker Dream Weekend such a marvelous experience.”
In addition to the money won and the title earned, Rosanne also was awarded:
- a fabulous Armani statue (shown with her on the cover);
- a paid entry into the 1999 ladies event at the World Series of Poker at Binion’s in Las Vegas;
- and a special weekend for two to the Napa Valley Wine Country including transportation, two nights lodging at the Marriott, a private lunch, and a personal tour of the Mondavi Winery.
Personally, I am thrilled that Rosanne won the all around best player award. Her friendly personality and professional demeanor at the poker tables sets an example for all newcomers. Old-timers also could take a lesson from her. Class, style, and polish are terms that will help bring poker a positive image to the public. And winners like Rosanne will encourage other railbirds to take that first step — play poker in public!
Speaking of class … the Commerce Casino added more than a touch of class to the Ladies Poker Dream Weekend. The staff treated the ladies like queens during the entire three-day event. Just picture the extras that the Commerce staff added to the special event:
- Bottles of wine and sets of wine glasses for entry signups.
- Drawings during the tournaments (done by seat numbers) where wonderful gifts were given away (such as bottles of wine, fruit baskets, and cookbooks).
- What Rosanne Stanley described as “a gourmet, elegant feast” was served under the name of “buffet” — quite an understated term for the spread put out by the Commerce.
- Armani statues, sitting on a gorgeous base, with gold plaques where winners names were engraved. These are truly collectors’ items!
- Linda Yerke, winner of the limit hold’em event, and Rosanne Stanley, winner of the seven-card stud event, each received a buy-in to the 1999 World Series of Poker ladies event.
- A wine and cheese tasting party was hosted by the Commerce with representatives from the Mondavi Winery on hand to answer questions. This event played to a full house and who can blame the partygoers. With an unlimited variety of wine, a delicious array of cheese, cold cuts, fruits, and home-baked breads, no one could eat dinner!
- Another special event was hosted for the ladies by the finer shops of the Citadel (a nearby shopping center) — a Fashion Show, poker-room style. While tea and snacks were served at the tables, attractive models strutted their wide assortment of dresses and casual wear, stopping to answer questions and provide prices.