For the 14th straight year, the Variety Children’s Charity Poker Event in Los Angeles, which took place in late July, was a rousing success.
The event at Paramount Studios, hosted by 2006 WSOP Main Event champion Jamie Gold, brought in more than $250,000 for the Variety Children’s Charity of Southern California, which benefits children with disabilities, special needs, and developmental challenges.
Not only did Gold bring some star power to the event, like he does every year, many non-poker celebrities were in attendance, and Bruce Buffer, an avid poker enthusiast, got the poker tournaments started by announcing his trademark “it’s time” line.
Poker for a Good Cause
The event, as always, featured a delicious catered meal for the attendees, a cash bar, casino games, and two poker tournaments (high-stakes and low-stakes). Ryan Feldman and Kyle “Raver Poker” Ravreby from Hustler Casino Live were also in attendance, along with another poker world champ, Michael Mizrachi, and TV and movie stars.
Gold told PokerNews one of the most special moments of the evening was presenting six adaptive bikes to six Variety kids. These bikes represent so much more than mobility. They mean independence, confidence, inclusion, and the simple joy of being able to ride alongside friends and family. Each year at the event, Variety kids are presented with the special bikes that were purchased through donations. It is one of the highlights of the evening for all attendees.
Variety, the highest rated charity for effective giving on Charity Navigator, donates 85% of all proceeds directly to the families in need. The charity has raised millions in 14 years from the poker event, which has became a July staple at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.
Not everyone in attendance opts to play in the poker tournaments. Many come for the food and drinks or casino games. But everyone is there to help raise money for a good cause. The invite-only event has sold out every year with 800 guests in the crowd, all having a good time.
Gold’s poker night at Paramount had 50 sponsors, including Paramount, Disney, Universal, MGM, Regal, and Dolby. Basically, all the major TV and movie production brands wanted to be a part of the special evening.
There were numerous recognizable celebrities in the crowd, such as Mekhi Pfifer, Ray J and Princess Love, Nick Gonzales, Roger Cross, and Tony Dennison. Everyone came together to benefit the kids.
Variety has delivered over $2 billion globally to aid and support children with developmental challenges and their families over the years. The charity works through over 300 programs across 20 countries, providing critical resources like medical care, mobility equipment, and educational opportunities to over 45 million children. Gold, one of the most legendary WSOP Main Event champions ever, has hosted this event for 14 years.
Poker Champ Jamie Gold, Actor Rob Riggle Host Charity Poker Event
