PokerWorks

It looks to be a busy 2009 for charity poker tournaments, and many on schedule for the coming months are already being announced. The poker world has proven its ability to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes, and the current year may be a banner one in that effort.

Jennifer Harman has been at the forefront of charity tournaments and events on behalf of causes she believes in, namely the National Kidney Foundation because of her own battles with kidney disease, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) that stems from a passion for animal care. She already began 2009 with a very successful online poker tournament on Full Tilt Poker to raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation, and she looks to do more with a live tournament in March.

The March 9th tournament will be hosted by Harman, emceed by Matt Savage, and held at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. Beginning with a red carpet entrance, the $200 + $30 poker tournament is scheduled for a noon start time. Numerous prizes have been donated, such as a $5,000 World Poker Challenge Championship entry for the winner, two $3,000 World Poker Challenge tournament entries, and Curtis & Co. watches. Some of the poker pros who have sent their RSVP’s to join Harman are Howard Lederer, Andy Bloch, Lee Watkinson, Lee Markholt, and Roy Winston.

Harman is also working with other organizers to put together the third annual Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament to benefit the Nevada SPCA. After raising $130,000 in 2007 and $325,000 in 2008, this year’s event looks to be a giant fundraising event.

The SPCA benefit on April 17, 2009 will include a red carpet that will include poker pros and celebrities with animal companions, a silent auction, media party, raffle, and video presentation. And it will culminate in a $200 + $30 no-limit hold’em poker tournament at the Venetian’s poker room in Las Vegas. With some of the biggest names in poker and Hollywood promising to grace the festivities, this will undoubtedly be an exciting day of events.

Howard and Suzie Lederer are always happy to throw a party, especially when it raises funds and awareness for a worthy cause. The duo is currently organizing a benefit, which will include a charity poker tournament, where all proceeds will be donated to the Springs Preserve. The Preserve was once home to Native Americans and bubbling springs and is now a cultural and historical attraction that tells the history of Las Vegas. The events will take place on April 1 at the Hard Rock’s poker lounge in Las Vegas.

More information will be provided as the events near and details become available.