Poker has always been a popular fundraising option. But recently, celebrities have been increasingly choosing the format for their charity of choice.
In New York, the Broadway Bets held a charity tournament on May 19 at Sardi’s restaurant and set a new fundraising record for the organization. The annual event helps the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS initiative.
This year, the event generated $546,500 for the cause.
Some of those in attendance included theater owners, producers, actors, theater company executives, and fans. A few of the more famous faces included Hank Azaria, Kelli Barrett, Mike Myers, Wendie Malick, Richard Kind and Steven Weber.
Poker pros Andy Frankenberger and Erik Seidel were also in attendance.
Azaria has been a celebrity fixture in poker for a while. During the pandemic, Azaria hosted a charity poker tournament with five other actors for their chosen charities. He held it on the PokerStars online poker platform and streamed the action from his YouTube page.
“Broadway Bets is a magical night – there’s a palpable energy that fills Sardi’s as folks from across the industry come together,” Broadway Cares executive director Danny Whitman said. “I’m grateful to the Broadway community, who showed up in the spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie. They went all-in to make a real difference in providing meals, medication, health care and hope with every three of a kind, straight or flush.”
Broadway Bets raised $2.7 million since it launched in 2015. This year’s event started with 37 tables and 363 players. Attorney Jeffrey Korn emerged victorious and won a one-week stay at a luxury hotel in Key West, Florida, along with an exclusive whiskey tasting experience.
NL East Rivals Host Charity Events At MLB Stadiums
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola and his wife Hunter also recently held a major charity event at Citizens Bank Park. The poker tournament raised money for Team Red, White & Blue, a group that helps veterans and service members seeking improved physical or mental health.
Teammates, coaches, executives, and fans took part and helped raise $600,000 from the tournament and a silent auction.
The New York Mets also have a charity event on the horizon. The Second Annual Hank Azaria and Jeff McNeil Poker Showdown at Citi Field is set for June 9. The event sees the actor/comedian and left fielder team up for the 4 Thru 9 Foundation, which addresses education, social justice, the environment, and physical and mental wellness, and Metropolitan PGA Foundation, an adaptive golf program offered free of charge by PGA professionals that utilizes golf as a rehabilitation tool.
High-stakes poker player and businessman Alan Keating also recently documented his own experience in the Golden State Warriors’ annual charity tournament held at center court of Chase Center. The tournament featured a host of Warriors, including Steph Curry.
The event stood out because he got a ringside seat to reaction among players as the Luka Dončić trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. Keating also went on to actually win the tournament.
