Phil Ivey to Host Charity Tourney at Golden Nugget Tuesday

On Tuesday, July 1, poker pro Phil Ivey is hosting the Budding Ivey Game Night Celebration at the Golden Nugget to benefit charity, and seats are open to the public.

The tournament starts at 8 p.m., and the recommended donation to participate in the event is $1,000. Rebuys of $500 are available with one last $500 rebuy. The tournament, along with a raffle, silent and live auctions, and private donations, will benefit the Budding Ivey Foundation, an organization especially close to Ivey’s heart.

Named after Ivey’s late grandfather Leonard “Bud” Simmons, the foundation was created and founded by his mother Pamela Simmons-Ivey. Bud Simmons was known for his passion for education, inclusion, and opportunity, so the organization’s main focus is to provide just that for the underrepresented, the at-risk, and the needy.

Most of the money will be allocated to re-opening the doors of Empowered 2 Excel, a local academy that focuses on improving the quality of life for young people by concentrating on academic success, social-growth, character education, and health. Also benefiting are the Boys and Girls Club and the Springs Preserve.

The event is running in conjunction with World Series of Poker Barbeque, an annual party thrown by Suzie and Howard Lederer and Steve Zolotow, which means that there will be food, fun, and fireworks. Here is an entire schedule of events:

5 p.m.

• Transportation shuttles will pick up guests from the Rio and Bellagio North Valet locations
• Media check-in

6 p.m.

• Pool opens for all guests
• Silent auction and raffle open to public
• Photo opportunities, autograph table featuring Ivey, Lederer, and Andy Griggs.
• Food and beverage stations open
• Cocktail service begins
• Triumph Sports Silent Auction begins
• Tournament registration begins
• Raffle opens

6:15 p.m.

• Welcome presentation by Budding Ivey Foundation and Golden Nugget

6:30 p.m.

• Chutes & Ladders competition begins — hosted by Michele Lewis
• Operation competition begins — emceed by Matt Savage

7 p.m.

• Hula Hoop contest — hosted by Lacey Jones and Karina Jett

7:30 p.m.

• Roman Dzindzichashvili Blitz Chess competition and exhibition
• Authentic Cigar Roller
• Live Auction begins

7:45 p.m.

• Guitar Hero contest — Hosted by Evelyn Ng

8 p.m.

• Phil Ivey charity poker tournament begins

9 p.m.

• Karoake contest

9:45 p.m.

• Acoustic performance by Andy Griggs

10:10 p.m.

• Fireworks begin
• Silent auction breakdown
• Catering breakdown

10:30 p.m.

• Raffle winners announced

11 p.m.

• Poker tournament ends

Visit the Budding Ivey Foundation’s website to find more information.

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