Nearly 60 poker lovers, scout leaders and parents, former scouts, and other friends of scouting competed for prizes at the the 22nd annual “Two Guys” Invitational Texas Hold’Em Tournament fundraiser at the beautiful Wainwright House in Rye on Friday, January 30, 2026. The event raised approximately $13,000 of net proceeds to help fund infrastructure and equipment for the Curtis S. Read and Agatha A. Durland Scout reservations — both of which memorialize prominent Rye residents and provide scouts throughout the region with summer camps, unit hiking and camping, and other activities.
The event was founded 22 years ago by Rye residents Bill Langham and Paul Knudsvig, “two guys” who still remain active in scouting today. Since its founding the poker event has raised more than $123,000 to fund staff cabins, an accessible fishing dock, STEM supplies, trail blazes, outdoor equipment, and numerous other items for the camps of the Greater Hudson Valley Council. Funds raised this year will go towards the replacement of a much-needed shuttle bus for the Read Scout Reservation, a 1,000 acre camp in the Adirondack wilderness that includes facilities at a significant distance from one another.
At the event, Chris Carballo, current scoutmaster of Rye Troop 2, emerged victorious — and for the first time in the event’s history took home not only the champion trophy, but also the first prize for the Scouter Division, and the “Hit Man” award for knocking out the most other players! Andy Malhotra graciously accepted the “Walking Back to Houston” hiking stick, for being the first player eliminated. In addition to running the tournament, Friends of Rye Scouting also provides equipment for our local Scouting America units, Rye Boy Scout Troop 2 and Cub Scout Pack 2 (both chartered by Christ’s Church Rye), need based scholarships for scouts via the Hugh E. O’Reilly Memorial Scholarship Fund, and serves as an alumni association for former scouts and scouters from the area.
