The Friends of the IDF (FIDF) are in the midst of hosting a National Charity Poker event online at Faded Spade Virtual Cards. No fewer than 10 “Regional Playoffs” are taking place for players throughout the United States from April 18-28, as well as an “Open Seat Night” taking place on April 29, with the final players in each qualifying round advancing to the National Championship event on May 2.
The buy-in to the event is $100, with all proceeds being donated to the soldiers. Higher donor levels are also available up to $10,000, which comes with 20 seats in the event as well as being names an event sponsor.
Big Poker Names Suit Up for the Soldiers
Joining in the fun and fundraising will be a number of well-known names and faces from the poker world, including:
- Maria Konnikova – Multi-time New York Times Bestselling Author, winner 2018 PCA National Championship
- Jeff Platt – popular poker commentator, broadcaster, and sideline reporter
- Gershon Distenfeld – 2020 WSOP Final Tablist, donated all winnings to charity
- Eli Elezra – 4-time WSOP bracelet winner, former IDF Golani Brigade Officer
About the Charity – A Brief Personal Account
Since their founding 30 years ago, the FIDF (a non-political, non-military organization) has strived to provide support to members of the Israeli military, veterans, and their families. Back when I lived in Los Angeles, I recall my parents regularly donating to the cause. Now, living in Israel, I’ve befriended many former soldiers who have benefitted from the FIDF’s good works.
From food and care packages to lone soldiers (whose families live abroad) to counseling and therapy for wounded and traumatized veterans, I can personally attest that the FIDF does truly noble work.
Proud Supporters of the Cause
Many of you know that I worked closely with Eli Elezra in translating his autobiography, Pulling The Trigger, from Hebrew into English. What you may not know is that I continue to work with Eli occasionally on some side projects. As you can imagine, he gets approached quite often to do charity appearances. When the FIDF approached him about this opportunity, Eli wholeheartedly, immediately, and enthusiastically answered in the affirmative. “Anything for the soldiers!” he told me, privately.
Do you have what it takes to go up against not only a former Golani Brigade officer in the IDF, but a poker legend?! Eli Elezra has won four World Series of Poker bracelets and one World Poker Tour championship. https://t.co/kfKPLF56un
— Friends of the IDF (@FIDF) April 16, 2021
Having spoken extensively in the past with Platt, Distenfeld, and Konnikova, I can also attest from knowing their characters that the FIDF’s cause is one near and dear to their hearts. You can see for yourself on the dedicated tournament page of the FIDF website.
Tom Wheaton, Founder and CEO of Faded Spade Virtual Poker, the platform hosting the series of events, is also proud to be a part of the fundraising efforts. “We’re thrilled that FIDF has chosen Faded Spade Virtual Poker for their primary national and regional fundraising efforts this year. The FIDF team deeply cares about their mission, and we share in the belief that poker for philanthropy is one of the best ways to enhance donor engagement and fundraising,” he said.
Championship Event Live Stream
The final round of competition will be livestreamed on the Faded Spade Twitch channel on Sunday May 2 at 7pm Eastern, with the winner taking home lifelong bragging rights of having been the “biggest supporter” of IDF soldiers.
