Charity poker tournament in Los Angeles raised $250,000 for children

The 14th annual Variety Children's Charity poker tournament was held in Los Angeles, raising over $250,000 to support children with special needs.

At the end of July, Los Angeles hosted the 14th annual Variety Children's Charity Poker Event. The event, traditionally held on the grounds of Paramount Pictures Studios, once again brought together many guests and raised over $250,000 for the Variety Children's Charity of Southern California—a charity that supports children with disabilities, special needs, and developmental disorders. Who organized and supported the tournament The main organizer and face of the event for the fourteenth year in a row was the 2006 WSOP Main Event champion Jamie Gold . His ongoing involvement attracts not only professional players but also celebrities from other fields. This year, the co-host was well-known poker enthusiast and UFC announcer Bruce Buffer , who opened the tournament with his signature phrase, "it's time." The tournament was supported by 50 sponsors, including the largest companies in the entertainment industry: Paramount, Disney, Universal, MGM, Regal, and Dolby. Such a number of partners highlights the scale and significance of the event for all of Hollywood. Guests and the evening's atmosphere The Variety Children's Charity Poker Event is not just a poker tournament but also a social gathering, with around 800 guests invited each year. Every year, all tickets sell out in advance, and among the participants, you can find both professional players and stars from film and television. This year, notable guests included Peter Facinelli , Billy Burke , Mekhi Pfifer , Ray J and Princess Love , Nick Gonzales , Roger Cross , and Tony Dennison . The poker community was represented by Ryan Feldman and Kyle "Raver Poker" Ravreby from Hustler Casino Live, as well as world champion Michael Mizrachi . Many guests attend not so much for the game itself, but for the atmosphere and the charitable mission. In addition to the tournaments, there was a gourmet buffet, a bar, and casino games for everyone. Tournament format and features The evening included two poker tournaments with different buy-in levels—one for experienced players and one for beginners. This approach allows for the widest possible range of guests to participate, regardless of their skill level. Besides poker, participants could try their luck at other casino games, making the event accessible to anyone wishing to support the charity. Not all of the 800 guests took part in the tournaments—many came for the socializing, entertainment, and to support a good cause. Highlights of the evening: presentation of adaptive bicycles One of the most touching moments of the evening, according to Jamie Gold, was the presentation of six special adaptive bicycles to Variety children. These bikes are purchased with the donations raised and are given to children at the event each year. For kids with disabilities, these bikes are not just a means of transportation, but a symbol of independence, self-confidence, and the chance to be on equal footing with friends and family. This moment traditionally becomes one of the most emotional and memorable for everyone present. Results and the impact of Variety Children's Charity In 2023, the event raised over $250,000 , which will go to support children with special needs in Southern California. Variety is considered one of the most effective charitable organizations according to Charity Navigator: 85% of all donations go directly to families in need. Over 14 years of hosting the poker night, Variety has raised millions of dollars. Globally, the organization operates in more than 20 countries, running over 300 programs and providing medical care, mobility equipment, and educational opportunities to more than 45 million children. The total amount of aid provided by Variety over the years exceeds $2 billion . Famous participants and industry support Among the guests and participants were not only professional players but also many celebrities from the worlds of film, television, and sports. Such attention from stars and major companies helps attract new donations and expand the foundation's opportunities. Jamie Gold — 2006 WSOP Main Event champion, the event's constant organizer Bruce Buffer — famous announcer and poker enthusiast Michael Mizrachi — world poker champion Ryan Feldman and Kyle "Raver Poker" Ravreby — representatives of Hustler Casino Live Peter Facinelli, Billy Burke, Mekhi Pfifer, Ray J, Princess Love, Nick Gonzales, Roger Cross, Tony Dennison — celebrities who supported the event What this means for PPPoker club players For PPPoker club members, this news is a great example of how poker can be not only an exciting game but also a tool for supporting important social initiatives. Organizing charity tournaments and campaigns within PPPoker clubs can be a way to unite players around good causes and make a real contribution to helping those in need. It's also worth noting that such events attract a wide audience, including celebrities and major companies. For PPPoker clubs, this can be an opportunity to expand their player base, attract new sponsors and partners, and increase the prestige and recognition of their club. Finally, the experience of the Variety Children's Charity Poker Event shows that even small donations and participation in charity tournaments can make a significant difference. PPPoker players can use this experience to organize their own charity events, combining the game with helping the community.