The European Poker Tour today announced it would donate an EPT Grand Final Monte Carlo seat worth €10,600 to the Simon Poker Day charity tournament being held on Saturday, Nov. 3 as part of the EPT Dublin festival in the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin.
Padraig Parkinson, spokesman for the collective of players organizing the event, said, "This is astounding generosity from John Duthie – we just need to figure out how best to use it now to help the homeless."
Duthie, CEO of the EPT, said, "I was happy to help out. It was either that or listen to Padraig incessantly for the next month. This should shut him up so he can focus his attention on organizing a tournament we're all really looking forward to."
Last year, more than 200 players, along with corporate and private donors, raised close to €50,000 for homeless charity Simon Dublin, and the event proved one of the most popular on the circuit, attracting players such as Donnacha O'Dea, Jesse May, Scott Gray, Julian Gardner, 'Mad' Marty Wilson, Dave Colclough, Kevin O'Connell, Nick Leeson, Matthew Stevens, and Stephen Hendry.
Last year's winner, former world champion Noel Furlong, returns to defend his title and will be joined by 'Mad' Marty Wilson, running his hilarious and popular high-octane auction.
A host of star names from the worlds of entertainment and sport from across Europe will also attend, including snooker stars Steve Davis and Ken Doherty.
The poker community has been quick to weigh in and pledge support with PokerStars, Paddy Power Poker, 888, Ladbrokes, and Green Joker Poker all pledging financial support for the event.
