Charity Poker

The Power of Charity Poker

Here at the Cardplayer Lifestyle poker blog we’ve long believed that the game of poker carries with it the tremendous potential to create good in the world. With money flowing literally each time a hand of poker is played, even a small percentage set aside towards charity can make a world of difference to those less fortunate.

Those dedicated to promoting charitable causes through poker activities include top professionals such as Barry Greenstein, Matt Stout, Bernard Lee, Daniel Negreanu, and Linda Johnson.

Top Hollywood actors and comedians like Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, and Jason Alexander as well as sports figures like Charles Barkley and Evander Holyfield have also come out to the felt numerous times in support of worthy causes, most notably in the annual Ante Up For Africa tournament.

You Can Do It Too!

One need not be a world-renowned poker personality to have a positive impact on others via charitable poker activities. For instance, I myself have run many charity poker events for a variety of different organizations, which have raised anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars for the benefit of those less fortunate.

While there’s definitely a good amount of organizational work to do before, during, and after each charity poker event, it’s always worth the effort when you see a room full of people having a blast playing poker. And, of course, seeing the positive impact down the line of the funds raised for the needy is something you simply can’t put a price tag on.

Here are some tips for how to run a successful charity poker event!

While there are plenty of companies out there perfectly happy to run the event for you and even provide dealers, planning and running it by yourself (or with the help of close friends), “grassroots style”, helps minimize overhead costs and maximize the amount raised towards the chosen charity.

Every Dollar Counts

If you don’t have the patience, time, resources, or abilities needed to organize larger-scale events, you can still “harness the power” of your regular weekly home game to collect small amounts of money and donate to charity. Even a small group of friends can help to make a positive difference in people’s lives in a variety of different ways.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Take a small “rake” from each pot you play and set it aside for donation
  • Charge a minimal “entry fee” to play in your home game, all of which gets donated
  • Designate a particular winning poker hand (e.g., a full house) to “activate” a $1 donation from everyone at the table

Lastly, even if your friends aren’t up for it, you can always pledge on your own to donate a small percentage of your poker winnings to charity.

Would you like to have your charity listed on our Charity Poker Donations page?

Contact us for more information.

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