Jamie Gold Hosts Charity Poker Tournament for Children

One notable name will definitely not be playing the main event of the prestigious L.A. Poker Classic this year — 2006 World Series of Poker main-event champion Jamie Gold.

“Some things are more important,” said Gold. “These kids need our help.”

The kids he is referring to are the ones of Children Uniting Nations, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring to at-risk and foster children.

Gold will host a fundraiser tournament at 10 p.m. on Sunday night, Oscar night, and he expects a slew of celebrities and nominees to attend the tournament — which is being held as a part of the Hollywood Reporter/Children Uniting Nations Gala.

Some poker pros, including Howard Lederer, are expected to attend the event. Most of the big names in poker are already in town since the LAPC main event begins tomorrow.

The black-tie event is open to the public and will feature presentations to those people who have been especially supportive of Children Uniting Nations, including the Black Eyed Peas and Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass.

Children Uniting Nations founder Daphna Ziman expressed her gratitude for Gold’s support.

“We are deeply touched and thankful,” said Ziman.

Gold is no stranger to charity poker tournaments. Since his main event win in 2006, he has hosted and emceed nearly 50 events which benefited a number of causes, including MDA/ALS Division, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the Sunflower Organization, and Montel Williams MS Foundation. According to a press release, the world champ has helped raise more than $110 million for charitable causes.

Although the tournament is for charity, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot on the line. The winner of the tournament will receive a prize package that includes a $10,000 WSOP main event seat, a dinner and coaching from Gold, and even private accommodations at Gold’s mansion. The prize package is being sponsored by Aced.com, the upstart online poker site that announced the signing of Gold to a lucrative endorsement deal last week.

To play in the tournament, you can bid on a seat. For more information about the tournament, call Juliette Harris at (310) 577-1122.

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