10/17/2026
Congratulations to Karen Novotny, our 2026 Rite of Passage Award recipient! 🏆♠️
In 2018, Karen, along with Darcie and Michael McCloud, started the Brian Hartner Poker Charity to bring our Colorado poker community together for a good cause - helping Brian and his family and all of those with in arms length of the poker community right here in Colorado. Eight years later, it's still going strong because of her heart and her hard work.
The Rite of Passage Award honors people who go out of their way to help others in our poker family. Karen now joins an incredible group of past recipients: Carlos Paukune, Ben Sprafka, Michelle Montoya, Don Marquis (whose beautiful handmade natural trophies graced our events for years), and Gene Gioia
What makes this year extra special: Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer 16 months ago. Through every hard day, she has kept showing up for her daughter and for all of us. Her strength and generosity are exactly what this award is about.
Karen, we love you. Thank you for everything you give to this community. 💗