The WPT's charitable arm, the World Poker Tour Foundation, has announced that it will join forces with the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation for the WNF's fourth annual charity poker tournament. The upscale affair will be held at Wynn Las Vegas on September 13 and is expected to bring an elite lineup of celebrities, world-class players, and prominent business people to a night of poker and entertainment.
The fourth annual benefit tourney will be hosted by the NBA star and his wife, Nina, for what is billed as a VIP poker experience. The poker gets underway at 6pm and will also feature live commentary from the WPT's Tony Dunst and tourney co-host Drea Renee. The social gathering accompanying the event begins at 7:30pm.
The elite event carries a $7,500 entry, which includes the tourney seat plus admission to the gala for a non-playing guest, along with a single night's stay at the Wynn. Persons who wish to attend the gala but not play in the poker event may do so for a $1,200 entry. An online registration page has already been created for the evening's festivities.
Highlight event for WNF's mission
The poker-night fundraiser has become an important element in the Why Not? Foundation's goal of providing pathways to empowerment and success in communities left underserved by more traditional means. The foundation has raised over $1 million combined in its three previous poker-night fundraisers, with all proceeds going to WNF’s educational, workforce development, and mental health-and-wellness initiatives.
Recent WNF initiatives include the following:
- The opening of Westbrook Academy, which now serves over 400 middle and high school students in South LA
- An annual career fair in partnership with LeadersUp
- Announcing the Changing Lives from Scratch Fund in partnership with the Little Kitchen Academy
- A two-day basketball intensive camp hosted by Russell Westbrook, benefiting over 100 youth in South LA
- The launch of WNF’s annual Women’s History Month brunch in partnership with Bene by Nina which fosters connections among women leaders in mental health and wellness
“We are thrilled to take this event to the next level, partnering with the World Poker Tour to deliver an extraordinary experience for our supporters,” said Westbrook, a nine-time NBA all-star and the league's 2016-17 MVP. “The tournament offers a unique opportunity to play alongside top poker professionals while supporting our ongoing efforts to make a significant impact in the Los Angeles community.”
The WPT's CEO, Adam Pliska, added, “We are honored to work with Why Not? Foundation in their fundraising efforts to elevate the underserved populations of South Los Angeles. Russell Westbrook’s vision for Why Not? is perfectly aligned with the mission of the WPT Foundation.”
Featured image source: Why Not? Foundation
