History of the Horseshoe Bay Tournament

Great thanks go out to Kay Lowe and Cleo Tapp for providing the historical background information for the Mah Jongg Tournament at the Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort. Over the last ten years, these tournaments have raised over $500,000 to help our community.

History

In 2012, the Mah Jongg tournament seeds were planted. Billie Black, Vicki Odom, and Cleo Tapp organized the catalytic event at the Horseshoe Bay Yacht Club on September 27, 2012. Even today, a monthly Mah Jongg Play Day still occurs at the Yacht Club. "These same three ladies decided they would plan and host a Mah Jongg Tournament that would become the envy of all tournaments." 

What made this tournament different? It was not only a gathering of Mah Jongg enthusiasts from all over the country, but a special welcoming Texas atmosphere to all those who attended.  Out of towners were invited to a cocktail reception.The next day, lunch was beef tenderloin prepared by the Horseshoe Bay Resort's chef and at the conclusion of the first day everyone gathered together for a special "Signature Martini". If all that didn't convince the attendees that this tournament "stood apart" from other tournaments, then surely the pashminas did the trick. We all get chilly from time to time and nothing was more considerate than a pashmina. "Each participant was given a lovely pashmina as a remembrance of the Club at Horsehshoe Bay Resort's Mah Jongg Tournament." Clearly, the Club at Horsehshoe Bay Resort's Mah Jongg Tournament was setting the bar.

"The proceeds from the tournament would support the local community needs. The first five years, Baylor Scott & White Hospital, Marble Falls was the beneficiary receiving over $100, 000." The donations provided to Baylor Scott & White remained in Marble Falls and purchased life saving infant care equipment that would go on to save the life of a twentyfour week infant during the 2021 ice storm. "The beneficiary the 6th year was the Marble Falls Helping Center receiving over $47,000 to assist with their capital building fund." The donation created a building to house food items, like a small grocery store, allowing individuals to select items independently. The Helping Center of Marble Falls provides nourishment and limited financial support to their neighbors in need in a dignified and hope-filled setting.

The Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort's Mah Jongg Tournament

Co-Chairs

2014-2015 Billie Black, Vicki Odom, Cleo Tapp

2016-2017 Cynthia Clinesmith, Jan Greer, Kay Lowe, Rebecca Nicholson, Vonda Sanders

2018-2019 Sharon Bates, Linda Beavan, Sandy Olson, Janice Williston

2020 Cancelled due to Pandemic

2021-2022 Jo Ellen Henderson, Terri Mathews, Charlotte Steindorf

2023 Dee Davis, Ellen Hower, Toby McClaugherty

2024 Dee Davis, Carol Hall, Toby McClaugherty

2025-2026 James Kitchens, April Weiss