The Story Behind the House of Cards Charity Tournament
A Family’s Mission: How It All Began
We sat down with the Reid family – Tara, Will, Robin, and Tammy – who have hosted an annual fundraiser for mental health awareness benefiting DBSA for nearly 10 years from their game store, House of Cards in Winston-Salem, NC.
What started as a Magic: The Gathering tournament in memory of the store’s previous owner has grown into a beloved community event and safe space for mental health advocacy.
A Community Rallies After Loss to Promote Mental Health Awareness
After the original owner’s passing due to mental health challenges, the store’s future was uncertain. Will and a few local judges stepped in to organize the first tournament, bringing the community together during a difficult time. That first year, they raised $700.
More Than a Tournament: A Safe Space Emerges
What began as a game night quickly evolved. More and more people showed up—not just to play—but to talk. A space formed organically where people felt safe to share their mental health stories.
In the family’s words, “a lot of gamers use games and the community as a way to cope and connect.”
Creating a Culture of Openness and Belonging
The Reids embraced this shift, choosing to intentionally create a space where people could speak without fear of judgment. They envisioned House of Cards as a “Cheers”-style haven: where everyone knows your name, and you can simply be yourself.
From Game Store to Community Hub
Over time, the store became more than a retail space. It now hosts memorials, weddings, baby showers, and more. It’s a true third place—a welcoming space beyond home and work.
Why DBSA? Choosing a Partner with Purpose
Tara chose to support DBSA because of its broad, accessible mental health resources. Unintentionally, the Reids had created a grassroots support hub. Locals began turning to them for help, conversation, and referrals.
“What stood out about DBSA,” the family explained, “was its focus across the entire mental health journey, not just for individuals living with mood disorders, but also their friends and families.”
They also appreciated DBSA’s national reach, which meant college students who moved away could still access support.
Growing the Impact: From $700 to $25,600 for Mental Health Awareness
The event has grown significantly. Last year, they raised $6,000, bringing their total fundraising impact to over $25,600.
“It’s not only a fundraising event,” the family said. “It’s a place where people can show up, have conversations, and know that it’s a safe space to exist.”
A Day to Look Forward To
The annual tournament has evolved beyond cards. It now includes:
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Food trucks
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Coffee vendors
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Yard games
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Silent auctions and raffles
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Local mental health partner support
And of course, Magic: The Gathering.
The Angel Deck: A Tradition of Generosity
One of the most touching stories is the Angel Deck—a card deck originally owned by the tournament’s honoree. That first year, the deck was raffled off. In a remarkable show of generosity, the winner brought it back the next year with even more angel cards added.
“It’s become a tradition,” the family said. “Each year, the Angel Deck is raffled again, with the previous winner adding or swapping cards in the deck.” Like a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants moment, the original angel deck is still passed around.
The Heart Behind the Hustle
Tournament day is a 14–16 hour commitment, and planning begins the moment the previous event ends.
The Reids have grown from a two-person team to a staff of 11. “The store is growing, the event is growing, the community is growing, and the number of people who feel seen, supported, and have found chosen family is growing too.”
Advice for Building Your Own Mental Health Awareness Space
Robin offered this guidance for others who want to host events or create safe community spaces:
“First and foremost, make the decision that you’re going to have an inclusive space. Make sure everybody on your team is committed to that. For me, as a cis white male, it’s been a growth curve—not just learning about mental diversity, but including other viewpoints and ideas. It’s not just about mental health. It’s about an all-inclusive mentality all the way around. That’s the only way this really works. That’s the only way this business continues to grow. I had to learn the difference between true acceptance and tolerance.”
Final Words: Just Start
Their final encouragement: “Just start. If you have a team that believes in the vision—try it. Don’t obsess over what didn’t go right. Celebrate the wins. Keep an eye on your capacity and your health. And at the end of the day, it’s about making sure people feel seen and heard.”
Sometimes that means ordering pizza and calling it a day. Sometimes it’s grilling out when no vendors are available. What matters most is showing up for the community.
How YOU Can Take Action After Reading This Story:
- Are your local to Winston-Salem, NC or do you know someone local? Visit House of Cards’ website to find more event details.
- For other ways to support the store contact Tammy at indigoevents13@gmail.com
- Donate to DBSA in honor of this event: Donate Now
- Show up for your own community. Meet people where they are. Listen to their stories.
- Explore DBSA’s website to learn more about mental health awareness and our peer-led support and resources.
