WPT Foundation Teams Up with Russell Westbrook for Upcoming Annual Poker Night
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Last Updated: September 6, 2024
The World Poker Tour Foundation, WPT’s charitable arm, has announced it has partnered up with the NBA star Russell Westbrook for the 4th Annual Poker Night event.
The event, which will take place on September 13 at the Wynn in Las Vegas, will benefit Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation, which strives to create pathways for underserved communities and inspire the lives of young people.
The VIP poker experience will feature a host of professional players and the World Poker Tour’s own Tony Dunst. Dunst will partner up with Drea Renee, a well-known entertainment and poker reporter, to set up the atmosphere for the evening.
Playing for a Worthwhile Cause
The WPT Annual Poker Night event has become one of the most important fundraising events for the Why Not? Foundation. To date, it has helped raised over $1,000,000 for the organization, and these funds are used to help empower and educate underserved population is South Los Angeles.
Some of the most notable achievements by Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation include the opening of Westbrook Academy, partnering up with Little Kitchen Academy to set up the Changing Lives from Scratch Fund, setting up a yearly career fair together with LeadersUp, and much more.
Adam Pliska, the CEO of the World Poker Tour, underlined that the two foundations had perfectly aligned goals, making this a great partnership:
“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,” said Pliska in the PR announcing the fundraiser.
Everybody’s Welcome
The 4th Annual Poker Night by the WPT Foundation will take place on September 13 at the Intrigue Club located inside Las Vegas’ iconic Wynn Casino.
Those who’d like to join the worthwhile effort and also enjoy a night of exciting poker action, rubbing elbows with fellow benefactors and some legendary poker pros, can reserve their seats with a $7,500 donation.
The donation guarantees a seat in the tournament, one night stay at the Wynn for the participant and their guest, and access to the cocktail party taking place after the event.
The event will also feature live commentary and analysis provided by the commentating legend Tony Dunst and Drea Renee.
Those not interested in poker but still wanting to contribute can support the cause and join the fundraiser without playing in the tournament. The non-player rate is $1,200 and it includes everything except for the tournament entry.
There is a range of experiences prepared for those not playing in a tournament, as well as poker lessons for beginners.
Talking about the upcoming event, Russell Westbrook said the following:
“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. 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 Foundation was launched back in 2012 and has since helped raise over $50 million for different worthwhile causes via 50 distinct events.