Giving Never Gets Old
Looking back at the ways the poker community has been charitable in the past, one thing has come to my attention: companies in the poker industry, along with poker players, are doing more charitable work than ever. Online poker sites, casinos, players, and the media have temporarily put aside the game’s primarily individual focus to unite and help raise money for a number of worthy causes.
Although the game has a checkered past, I’ve learned that poker players are among the most generous people you’ll ever meet. Today there are more charity functions than ever before, supported by more players and executives who provide fi nancial backing and lend their celebrity to the cause.
What does this mean for poker? I think the current wave of charitable work and the positive light it shines on our community will continue to open the doors to more corporate sponsors, will help in the legalization process of online poker, and lead to larger attendance at tournaments. I look forward to a future when poker has true mainstream legitimacy.
I’ve also noticed that more poker players are participating in charity events online. While land-based casino events have been getting the majority of attention, online sites are playing a huge role in the future of poker’s charitable endeavors. Players from around the world are participating like never before and changing the lives of people around the globe.
Recent Charity Poker Events: The Urban Health Institute Charity Poker Tournament at the Playboy Mansion
The UHI was created by Dr. Kevin Brown (son of Bermuda Premier Dr. Ewart Brown), a Los Angeles-based doctor who is raising money to support national and international crises with doctors that work pro bono. UHI’s third annual Celebrity Poker Tournament and Casino Night was a big success. Co-hosted by American television personality and fashion entrepreneur Khloe Kardashian, the event was sold out at 400 people but ended up having over 600 guests because they didn’t want to turn anyone away at the door. Celebrities in attendance included Hugh Hefner, Holly Madison, Phil Laak, boxer Winky Wright, movie critic Richard Roper, and Bellagio Five Diamond WPT champion David Chiu.
The Montel Williams MS Foundation Cards, Celebrities, & a Cause Tournament
I want to congratulate my friend Montel for once again doing an amazing job of putting on a poker fundraiser. This event at the Golden Nugget was a more intimate version of his New York gala at Cipriani but still managed to raise $80,000 thanks to a generous donation made by the Golden Nugget and a well-attended tournament with many poker superstars. I was lucky enough to play with friends Robert Williamson III, Phil Laak, Jenifer Tilly, Marsha Wagoner, and new talk show host Robin Givens.
Upcoming Charity Event Alert: Nancy Cartwright’s 3rd Annual Monte Carlo Casino Night
You probably best know Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson – his voice, anyway. After attending last year’s 2nd Annual Monte Carlo Casino Night, I’m very excited about supporting Nancy and the Devonshire PALS (Police Athletic League Supporters). Last year’s event was a great success and I think this year’s turnout will be even better. This high-class event at Nancy’s house near Los Angeles is well attended by both celebrities and professional poker players. Proceeds from the last two years helped build a youth center for at-risk kids. If you’re interested in playing, the buy-in is $500, and if you just want to watch, mingle, and be part of a good cause, it’s $250 to attend. The event takes place Sept. 20, 2008. Celebrities who attended last year included comedian Brad Garrett, James L. Brooks, Camryn Manheim, Sam Farha, and Todd Brunson.
