Strip Poker: Jennifer Harman Charity Event Raises $325K

Dogs around Las Vegas were wagging their tails just a little harder on Friday because the Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament at the Venetian was successful in raising $325,000 for the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a local no-kill animal shelter.

Cameras flashed as world-renowned poker players strutted down the red carpet on the way to the poker room, many carrying a loaner cat or dog as arm jewelry. Among those to stop and pose for the poker paparazzi were Barry Greenstein, Daniel Negreanu, and Phil Ivey.

The event attracted 251 players, including Brad Booth, Eli Elezra, Todd Brunson, Doyle Brunson, David Singer, and David “The Devilfish” Ulliot, who was kind enough to perform a unique rendition of “Great Balls of Fire.”

The cost to enter the tournament was a $300 donation (buy-in) with unlimited $200 re-donations (rebuys) for the first hour. A number of players had money ready on the table in anticipation of losing their first set of chips within the first couple of hands.

The first-place finisher in this tournament was awarded a $10,000 seat into the World Series of Poker main event, as well as a trophy and watch donated by Curtis & Co. Seth Dupri became that winner.

For some, donating at the poker table was not enough. Ivey and David Benyamine were among a few players who tossed five thousand and one thousand dollar chips to tournament organizers as direct donations to the NSPCA. The biggest contributors were Susie and Howard Lederer. In total, they donated $55,000 to the cause. Kathy Raymond, director of poker room operations for the Venetian, also presented the NSPCA with a $5,000 check from the host casino.

The $325,000 was raised through the tournament, auctions, and generous donations. In addition to the money, two animals found a home at the event. Tournament director Matt Savage adopted a cat, and event organizer Lisa Wheeler took home a bulldog.

For more information on how to adopt from or donate to the NSPCA, click here.

Last year, $130,000 was raised, which resulted in an entire new wing being built onto the organization’s headquarters. To view a video from the ribbon-cutting ceremony, click here.

Photo Credit: Rob Gracie/GreasieWheels (Phil Ivey and winner photos)

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