Only Natural To Give Back

When people ask me how I like my “new” job, I reply, “I don’t really feel like I have a job.” After originally working in corporate America for over 10 years, I love the mix of what I do in the world of poker; playing on tour against the best poker players in the world, being part of the poker media (writing columns for several publications such as for Card Player, doing commentary work for the WSOP Circuit live stream, and hosting my radio show, The Bernard Lee Poker Show and shows like ESPN Inside Deal) or teaching students about poker, whether in classes such as the WSOP Academy or privately.

A couple of years ago, taking stock of how blessed my own family and I were, I decided that I needed to give back to the world, perhaps by helping out other families not as fortunate. With this thought in mind, I created The Full House Charity Program during holiday time 2010.

Combining my two greatest loves — my family, especially my kids, and poker — I decided to create a fundraising program that would aid youths throughout New England. Keeping with the poker theme, I decided to set aside $500 for every full house I was dealt playing on tour, with a minimum commitment of $20,000 worth of goods and fundraising annually to children-focused organizations in the New England area. Although I did not reach that goal either year (I wish I was dealt 40 full houses during a year), I still honored the $20,000 commitment. Last year, The Full House Charity Program helped over 50 children in the Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts areas that were devastated by Hurricane Irene and the unexpectedly destructive October snowstorm. This year, the program focused on approximately 50 children in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

When media outlets ask me about The Full House Charity and what it means to me, I realize this truth sums it up best; “I’ve been so fortunate in the world of poker it’s only natural that I give back to the community.”

However, I am far from the only person or organization in the poker industry to realize their good fortune and give back over the years.

Founded in 2008, Poker Gives’ mission is “to raise funds through poker events and private donations and distribute them to mainstream charities on behalf of the poker world.” Founded by Mike Sexton, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher and Lisa Tenner, they strongly believe that “Poker players are a generous group,” and they founded Poker Gives to serve “as a charitable vehicle to collect and redistribute donations from card rooms, fundraisers, poker players and special events.” To date, Poker Gives has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to numerous mainstream charities such as Make a Wish foundation, Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Bad Beat on Cancer.

Speaking of this last charity, many poker players who attended the WSOP over the past decade may remember the popular green patch with 1% logo representing Put a Bad Beat on Cancer. With a simple concept in which poker players would donate 1% of their earnings at the WSOP, poker pro Phil Gordon led the charge for this admirable cause. From 2003 to 2011, this charity was front and center at the WSOP, while also becoming the primary recipient for numerous other charity tournaments. In total, the initiative has raised over $3 million for cancer research.

At the 2012 WSOP, a new charity took center stage quite literally. One Drop, a non-profit organization founded by the creator of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté, has a mission that “strives to ensure that water is accessible to all, today and forever.” This summer, the WSOP and One Drop brought together 48 poker professionals and wealthy businessmen for an unprecedented $1 million buy-in tournament. As 11% of the buy-in went to the charity, over $5 million was raised for the charity. In 2013, the WSOP will offer an event where the general public can help contribute to the charity. “Little One for One Drop” will be a $1,111 unlimited re-entry bracelet event in which a portion of the entry fee will be donated to One Drop. In 2014, the $1 million tournament is slated to return to the WSOP summer tournament schedule.
Additionally, many Hollywood celebrities have lent their name to help charity poker tournaments, just this past month alone.

The popular “All-in for CP” celebrity charity poker tournament has been raising money for cerebral palsy patients since 2008. Numerous poker-playing celebrities, such as Sam Simon, Montel Williams, Shannon Elizabeth, and Jennifer Tilly, have supported the cause over the past five years. Hosted recently by actress Cheryl Hines at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the tournament is the organization’s primary fundraising source and has helped raise over half a million. Founder Jacob Zalewski, suffering from CP himself, is so thankful for everyone’s support to help “get one step closer to our ultimate goal where cerebral palsy is a thing of the past.” Zalewski feels that “with wonderful people and places…around to help me with my dream, its only a matter of time before my dream becomes a reality.”

Also, in December of 2012, Hollywood heavyweights Mel Gibson, Robert Downey, Jr., Sean Penn, Jodie Foster and Kiss bass player Gene Simmons hosted a poker tournament, “Four Kings and An Ace” to support Mending Kids International. The organization provides surgeries to children all over the world and also develops long-term surgical programs in developing countries. Held in West Hollywood, the tournament demonstrated the power of combining the universal game of poker with well-known Hollywood celebrities to help raise money a worthy charitable cause.

While many of these events may be out of the price range or located outside of their hometown for most local poker players, there are still numerous charity poker events booming across the country. With many volunteers donating their personal time, many charity poker tournaments allow players to help a charity while still having a fun night out playing poker.

So, in the spirit of giving, please consider poker as a way to help the less fortunate. I realize that the economic times are difficult and everybody’s financial situation is different. However, as you begin 2013, consider helping organize a charity tournament or at the very least, playing in an event so that a portion of your buy-in can help a worthy cause. (If you do play in an event, remember to read my previous Card Player column that I wrote on playing in charity events.)

I hope everyone had happy holidays and I wish you all a happy, healthy new year. ♠

Bernard Lee is the lead commentator for WSOP Circuit live stream, poker columnist ESPN.com, author of “The Final Table, Volume I and II” and radio host of “The Bernard Lee Poker Show,” which can be found on RoundersRadio.com or via podcast on iTunes. Follow Bernard Lee on Twitter: @BernardLeePoker or visit him at www.BernardLeePoker.com.