Want to play some poker and do some good at the same time? There's an event taking place this Friday in Las Vegas where your buy-ins will help those who really need it.
Troyce Krumme has served on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department since 2001, and recently became Chairman of the charitable foundation Cops 4 Kids, founded in 2012 with the intent of providing scholarships to the children of police union members, as well as young people in the local community. Having been a fan of poker since watching Chris Moneymaker shock the world in 2003, Krumme partnered with the Charity Series of Poker last year to put on a charity poker event for Cops 4 Kids.
The result? $51,000 in scholarships awarded to a mix of 11 union members' children and 13 graduating seniors from Western High School in Las Vegas. This year, Cops 4 Kids has set a $65,000 target and, as part of their effort to reach that number, they're running it back with another charity poker tournament.
It all goes down this Friday, June 14 at Las Vegas' Stirling Club, where a $300 ticket will grant you access to a silent auction, a cocktail hour, and a starting stack in the poker tournament.
PokerOrg spoke to Krumme about the upcoming Cops 4 Kids charity event and how he combined two of his passions - charity and poker - to improve the lives of the youth in the Las Vegas community. Plus, you can check out a generous offer from Krumme, exclusive to PokerOrg readers.
How did you first get involved with the Charitable Foundation?
TK: I joined the board in 2020 and got to see the golf tournament run a couple times. I thought, 'Man, this could really go somewhere. I think we're artificially capping ourselves here.'
I've always kept my focus on helping kids. I had something happen early in my career that shook me, that didn't end well, and it led me in that direction. Then, with the union charitable organization, I wanted to figure out a way to do more. And the only way to do more is to get more money.
What was the genesis for the first charity tournament?
TK: It was something I concocted back in 2022. I'm a huge poker fan and, being a part our charity and running the annual golf tournament, I kind of saw how to put it together.
The golf tournament is such a heavy lift, our poor Admin Director probably would have quit if I added another one. So, I started talking to poker room directors and almost got it on, but it fell apart as we were getting ready to sign documents and nail a date.
Then one of my board members called me and told me about the Charity Series of Poker. So, I set a lunch meeting with Matt Stout from the CSOP and the conversation went well. I was shocked at how inexpensive it was. I asked Matt, 'How are you doing this?' He told me he just has a need to help.
The board took a long shot and upped our commitment from $30,000 to $50,000. We were able to find our first high school and ended up giving away the entire $50,000.
Where does your passion for poker stem from?
TK: My mom actually taught me how to count, and how to play blackjack. And she wasn't even a gambler, though my dad was, and she wasn't happy about it. I've always been fascinated with card games. I grew up in Southern California, joined the military in '95. I got out in 2001 and came to Vegas.
I'd seen a 7-card stud game on TV and thought it looked interesting. I walked into the Texas Station poker room with a couple hundred dollars, sat down at the stud game and played. It was even more confusing live than it was on television, but I picked it up and enjoyed it.
Then I bought Super System, which introduced me to No-Limit Hold'em. As I'm getting into it, the 2003 Main Event happens. I'm watching Moneymaker and Phil Ivey and it was just interesting. I started playing and never looked back. When I'm interested in something, I throw everything into it.
Does Cops 4 Kids have a target for this year?
TK: This year we're giving away $65,000 total, and half of that will go to 16 of the graduating seniors at Mater Academy East.
There were some big names at your first event - will there be any poker celebs at the tables this time around?
TK: Yeah, I kind of shot for the moon and asked Matt if he could get me on Joey Ingram's podcast. He kind of laughed at me, but Joey ended up answering something on Twitter and I jumped on that thread. We connected, and he came to the event and brought in some players as well.
He's been instrumental. I give all the credit to my board, but Joey put out a tweet and he's got some of The Legion coming down. It should be a good event.
Krumme has made a generous offer for readers of PokerOrg: If you're planning to attend the CSOP x Cops 4 Kids event at The Stirling Club in Las Vegas this Friday, June 14, send an email to office@lvpmsa.org with proof of your registration to claim $200 worth of rebuys and add-ons in the event for free.
