Successful Charity Poker Events Highlight the Political Conventions

PPA’s Tournaments Exceed Goals, Raise over USD 140K for Paralyzed Vets

Washington, D.C. – Surpassing its initial goals, the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy organization with over 1 million members, raised over USD 140,000 for paralyzed veterans through the two charity poker tournaments that were among the most popular events held during the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

The tournament at the Democratic National Convention, “Poker at the Ballpark”, was held at Coors Field and featured over 180 players from across the nation including Hollywood stars Ben Affleck, Seth Myers, Sarah Silverman, Richard Dreyfuss and Montel Williams as well as professional poker players Andy Bloch and Victor Ramdin. A Texas Hold ‘Em tournament was also held at the Republican National Convention, hosted by the PPA and the American Gaming Association (AGA), and featured over 100 players including poker pros Ramdin and Greg Raymer. For both events, 100 percent of the proceeds were donated directly to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org).

“Our events were tremendously successful and they could not have been done without the cooperation and assistance of our PPA members in Denver and Minneapolis. We raised over USD 140,000 for paralyzed veterans and brought a unique and fun event to both the Democratic and Republican Conventions,” said former Senator Alfonse D’Amato, chairman of the PPA. “PPA is honored to have held this event to demonstrate the poker community’s deep support for our veterans who fight for our freedoms and rights every day.”

Affleck, a poker aficionado, won the tournament in Denver, and Adam Radman of Americans for Tax Reform, won the tournament in Minneapolis.

“PVA is honored to have worked with PPA on these events to raise money and highlight the strong support for those who serve our country so bravely, even in the face of serious injury,” said Homer S. Townsend, Jr., executive director of the PVA. “Thank you to all who participated and donated, as well as PPA and AGA for hosting such successful events. We look forward to holding more poker tournaments that highlight a great game for a great cause.”