It's a fact that sometimes bad things happen to good people. Sometimes more than once.

Three years ago Kirk Holtzinger, of Pleasant Hills, had a heart attack while working at the rental agency where he was employed and was without oxygen for nearly 25 minutes. As a result, he was in a coma for a week and suffered permanent brain damage. He can no longer work.

Then his wife, Rene, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November after suffering gall bladder problems in the summer.

"Sometimes the lightning bolt hits the wrong people," said Joe Mele, a member of the Rotary Club of Pleasant Hills. The club this month will donate to the Holtzingers proceeds from its annual Texas Hold 'em for Charity event, set this year for 8 p.m. March 29 at the Library Sportsmen's Association building, 6312 Library Road, South Park.

Mr. Mele said such events are legal even though gambling is involved as long as all proceeds are given to charity.

"They are truly great people," he said.

Mr. Mele said proceeds from the event will be given to the family to help with daily living expenses and medical bills. He said Kirk is covered by Medicare because he is permanently disabled, but Rene, who worked as a dental hygienist, is without health coverage.

The Holtzingers have a 19-year-old daughter, Jade, who is a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated last year from Thomas Jefferson High School.

Mr. Holtzinger also has a son, Jason Burnett, who served in the Army for two years in Iraq. Later this month Jason will be deployed to Afghanistan.

Last year the Rotary donated nearly $6,000 to the family of Victoria Vietmeier, a 4-year-old with Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Doors open for the Holtzinger charity event at 6 p.m. Tickets are $60, which includes food and soft drinks. Tickets can be ordered in advance or bought at the door. Mr. Mele said last year's event was a sellout.

Donations for the Holtzingers can be mailed to: Pleasant Hills Rotary Club, Box 10912, Pleasant Hills, PA 15236. For more information, call 412-720-2902 or 724-986-8357.