Safe Harbor is redefining the art of fundraising. The non-profit women's shelter will play host to Greenville's first-ever Poker Tournament and Gala March 10 at the Marriott at the Parkway.

The idea for the Lady Luck Poker Gala came from an unlikely group, says Courtney Madden, director of development at Safe Harbor, a shelter for abused women. Most involved in planning the fundraiser, herself included, she says, knew very little about the game. But what the group lacked in poker know-how they made up for in a keen sense of cultural trends.

"Poker's just so popular now," Madden says. "The guys love it. It's on TV. So we decided that if we picked something that would specifically appeal to the men in the area then not only could we raise some funds but we could also raise some awareness."

The Safe Harbor board wasn't sure about the poker idea, though, and the plan sat on a shelf for two years. Finally, just last year, Madden says, all the legal issues were worked out and the tournament was on with a few stipulations. All prizes for poker play are valued at less than the $100 price to play.

The larger prizes, such as a trip to Las Vegas and Panthers tickets, will be given away by random drawing, Madden says.

But even if the big pot isn't there, the tournament is going to be official, Madden says. Safe Harbor hired a professional event-planning company to supply dealers. And, for those not so interested in poker, there will be Black Jack, Craps and Roulette.

"We would like to have 300 people total," Madden says. "Because if my husband and I were going, he might play poker but I wouldn't.