Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition that affects approximately 1 in 500 people. It is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people, and it can affect individuals of all ages and fitness levels. HCM occurs when the heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. While there is no cure for HCM, early detection and proper management can help individuals with the condition live full and active lives.
Ken Carlson Jr. was a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend. After his passing in 2002, his friends and family decided to begin a foundation in his memory, and the Ken Carlson Jr. Memorial Foundation was born.
The Foundation holds regular fundraisers in order to raise money to provide scholarship monies to an individual or individuals for post-secondary education and/or to donate for medical research, awareness, and/or detection of cardiomyopathy.
Join us for the 16th Annual Kato Poker Classic – Texas Hold’em Tournament, hosted by the Ken Carlson Jr. Memorial Foundation, on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Kenilworth VFW Post 2230, 33 South 21st Street, Kenilworth, NJ. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the tournament begins promptly at 7:00 PM—please arrive at least 30 minutes early to receive your seat assignment and chips. The event features a $150 buy-in with re-buys available during the first hour and an add-on option at the end of the first hour. Played on professional poker tables with experienced dealers, the tournament includes food and a full open bar (with a $50 option for those attending for food and drinks only). Prizes will be awarded based on the total number of entries, and all donations are welcome in support of the foundation’s mission. To reserve your spot, please RSVP to bteitelbaum@comcast.net by November 1, 2025. Payments may be made by check payable to the Ken Carlson Jr. Memorial Foundation, mailed to Brian Teitelbaum, 64 Woodwild Way, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, or online at KenCarlsonFoundation.org (please note “Poker 2025” in the comment section) or via Venmo. For questions, contact Brian Teitelbaum at 201-232-2424 or Jim Prendergast at 551-580-2040. Proceeds benefit the foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, making all donations tax-deductible.
Here, you will find the latest updates, events, and announcements from our organization. Our news page is your go-to source for staying informed and up-to-date with everything happening in our community. Whether you’re interested in our latest projects, fundraising efforts, or community events, you’ll find it all here. So, head to our news page to learn more about what we’re doing and how you can get involved.
On our scholarships page, you will discover comprehensive information on entering and securing scholarships at both the collegiate and high school levels. We offer details on the most current scholarship opportunities, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, award amounts, and the organizations offering these scholarships. Additionally, we proudly showcase our scholarship winners, celebrating their remarkable achievements and aiming to inspire others to pursue their academic aspirations.
