Many of us click through hundreds of TV channels trying to find something useful or fun to watch and wind up transfixed on myriad characters playing in TV poker tournaments.

Why? Because after a few minutes we're playing poker and competing in our minds, amazed at some of the personalities and bad plays we observe.

In our minds, we start saying things like, "I can do it. I can win the big prize!"

The Kiwanis of Thousand Oaks Foundation Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament on Sun., Nov. 11 will fulfill two dreams.

First and most importantly, your participation will provide funds which will allow Kiwanis to continue their support of youth in local communities. The Kiwanis will help young people fulfill their needs and grow as future community leaders as a result of this fundraiser.

Second, the first-place winner will receive a 40-inch LCD HD television- to watch poker in style, of course- and a complimentary buy-in to Pechanga Resort and Casino's Big Showdown Poker Tournament in April. The winner will also enjoy two nights and three days of luxurious accommodations while attending the Pechanga tournament, as well as a $100 dinner certificate at Pechanga's awardwinning Great Oak Steakhouse.

This is a great package and an amazing opportunity. Hundreds of players travel to Pechanga each month to play in the Big Showdown Tournaments where they compete for their dream of the top prize, a $10,000 buy-in to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in Las Vegas. Thereigning WSOP champion, Jerry Yang, won his $10,000 entry by winning a Pechanga Big Showdown Tournament, and you could be next.

Make your plans, get your poker buddies and friends together and compete while supporting the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Foundation, winner of the 2006 award for "Best Large Service Club of the Conejo Valley." The registration fee to observe, have dinner and enjoy the live and silent auctions and nonpoker casino tables is $30. The poker buy-in is an additional $150 for 10,000 poker chips, with the $30 registration waived for each player in groups of five or more players.

Fliers and registration forms on backs of fliers are available at all four local Do-it Center stores, the presenting sponsor for the event. The stores are in Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Moorpark.

Forms are also available the site of the tournament, Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, 99 Rolling Oaks Drive,and at other businesses throughout the area, or call (805) 496-1904 for information and to register.Proceeds will go to the Kiwanis of Thousand Oaks Foundation.