PokerWorks

The first event in 2008 was a massive hit and fundraising opportunity, so the 2009 version will consist of two events - one in February and one in March - to capitalize on it. This year, it is called “Go All-In for Veterans,” and organizers intend to raise more money and awareness for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) than ever before.

The 2008 event was held in Washington, D.C. and hosted by Mike Sexton, a war veteran dedicated to helping a cause like PVA close to his own heart. Thus, Sexton has played an integral role in organizing the 2009 events. The first of the two charity poker tournaments will take place in Las Vegas at the Rio Hotel & Casino on Thursday, February 26, and the second will be at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in D.C. on Wednesday, March 25. Twice the events in 2009 hopefully equals at least twice the donations for the PVA.

The buy-ins to both tournaments will be $1000 each, though the Vegas tournament boasts of an extra prize of an entry into the World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational to take place the following week in Los Angeles, in addition to the tournament prize money. Gallery seats are $300 for onlookers and supporters. More prizes for both events will be announced as the events near, but both tournaments are boasting of one valuable offering - a VIP Race Weekend with legendary racecar driver Richard Petty.

Both events will also be accompanied by silent auctions, wherein poker memorabilia and other valuable donated items will be up for auction. All proceeds from the auction, as well as the tournaments, will be donated to the PVA.

Set to participate in both events are celebrities like Ben Affleck and Montel Williams, the aforementioned Richard Petty along with Kyle Petty, Poker Players Alliance Chairman and former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato, and pro poker players Andy Bloch, Lee Childs, and Mike Sexton. Other recognizable names will be added to the list as they are confirmed, but it has been noted that the D.C. event is scheduled to see some members of Congress and other government officials at the tables. And some paralyzed veterans are set to play in the events as well.

Sexton described a bit of his motivation for hosting the events in a recent blog post: “The ‘Go All-In for Veterans’ charity poker tournament is a way that the poker industry can give back to those who have sacrificed for us. I can’t imagine a better or more deserving charity than the PVA. I wish everyone could take a tour through a Veterans Hospital and visit the wonderful young people that have sacrificed for us and see what it takes for paralyzed vets to get through each and every day. Your perspective of a bad beat will change dramatically… Whether or not you’re for or against the war, you have to appreciate everyone who serves our country in the Armed Forces. We should all give special thanks to paralyzed veterans, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy our freedoms and lifestyle.”

The PVA was founded in 1946 as a non-profit charity with a special focus on veterans of the Armed Forces who have sustained spinal cord injuries or related dysfunctions. The organization’s goals go further, though, as the Congressionally chartered group has become a leading advocate for health care, and spinal cord injury research and education, in addition to veterans’ benefits and rights, handicap accessibility, and disability rights. The PVA is one of the most widely recognized and respected veteran’s organizations in the United States.

Seating will be limited in both tournaments, so to pre-register or gather further information about the events, contact Meredith Magwire at (703) 288-8686 or mmagwire@hayespr.com.