Galveston, May 28, 2025

MahJongg! Galveston Hosts 44 Players, Raises Funds for Local Literacy Programs

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Café in the Park at Moody Gardens transformed into a hub of lively competition and community spirit during the Mah Jongg! Galveston Mini Tournament. With 44 participants playing four rounds of American Mah Jongg, the event combined serious strategy with local flair — and a whole lot of fun.

The tournament’s standout performance came from Linda Block of Houston, who dominated the day with an impressive 320 points, taking home first place and a $400 cash prize. She finished nearly 100 points ahead of her closest competitor, underscoring her skill and poise throughout the day.

Betty Holt, also of Houston, secured second place with 235 points, earning a $300 prize, while Sally Pehr claimed third place with 225 points, receiving $200. The fourth-place finisher, Annette Walfish of Houston, posted 215 points, followed by a tie for fifth place between Galveston locals Carole Merritt and Joanne Griffin, each with 210 points.

Beyond the tournament tables, the event served a greater purpose: $2,150 was raised for SMART Family Literacy and its local advocacy programs, thanks to an enthusiastic silent auction and 50/50 raffle. The silent auction was expertly organized by Deanna Grissom, and drew generous support from players and attendees alike.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, vendor Barbie Talisman was on site offering a selection of Mah Jongg-themed gear and accessories — a popular stop between rounds for players looking to upgrade their game bags or grab a themed gift.

The mini tournament was coordinated by Veronica Hugger and Tammie Taylor, who were thrilled by the turnout and community response. “The energy was fantastic, and the support for SMART Family Literacy made it even more meaningful,” Hugger said.

The duo already has more tournaments in the works, including another one-day event on July 30, and a three-day Mah Jongg tournament scheduled for October 21–23, both to be held at Moody Gardens.