Press Release
World Poker Tour® Launches WPT Foundation™ At Sold Out Event
WORLD POKER TOUR® LAUNCHES WPT FOUNDATION™ AT SOLD OUT EVENT
Debut Event for Philanthropic Poker Series WPT Playing for a Better World™ Hosted at SLS Hotel Beverly Hills
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Los Angeles, CA (March 13, 2012) – On Sunday, March 11, 2012, World Poker Tour (WPT) invited guests to the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills to celebrate the launch of WPT Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing World Poker Tour’s unmatched platform to influence positive change on a global scale. Hundreds of guests turned out in support of the new philanthropic venture for an exclusive night of entertainment. Evidenced by the tremendous social media buzz and impressive sold-out attendance, the kick-off event titled WPT Playing for a Better World was a resounding success.
World-renowned chef José Andrés, who recently won the coveted James Beard Outstanding Chef Award for 2011, provided a completely custom menu for the momentous occasion. “This was an astonishing night,” said Andrés. “Amazing people came together with their passion for poker but also their passion to change the world.”
Celebrities such as Maria Bello and Pau Gasol joined famous poker players for an evening that featured a round-robin style poker event, bountiful raffle and silent auction. Among the one-of-a-kind items awarded throughout the night were private poker lessons from legendary players in attendance including Daniel Negreanu, Vanessa Selbst, Vanessa Rousso, Barry Greenstein, Liv Boeree, Maria Ho, Freddy Deeb, Liz Lieu, and WPT TV personalities Mike Sexton and Tony Dunst; a 6-night stay in a lush bungalow at the soon-to-be-opened SLS Hotel South Beach; once-in-a-lifetime private dining experiences by José Andrés; a series of exceptional items from WPT and its partners; and much more.
“We are so thrilled to be a part of this evening, partnering with such incredible charities,” said CEO of SBE Sam Nazarian, who was also in attendance. “It has been an honor to host this amazing event.”
Celebrity host committee members for WPT Playing for a Better World included Maria Bello, Gerard Butler, Don Cheadle, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Eva Longoria, Joel Madden and Nicole Richie, Jeremy Piven, Andrea Savage, Rob Riggle, Sophie Winkleman, Frederick Windsor, and Robin Wright.
WPT Playing for a Better World is an ongoing series of philanthropic poker events and serves as the core of WPT Foundation’s fundraising efforts. WPT Foundation will initially support nonprofit programs in the areas of environment, human rights, hunger, and poverty through its charitable partners Conservation International, Enough Project, We Advance and World Central Kitchen. Beyond contributing extensive cast, brand, media and corporate resources, World Poker Tour has committed an additional $100,000 cash donation to WPT Foundation. For more information on WPT Foundation, please visit www.WPTFoundation.org.
“As the premier name in internationally televised gaming and entertainment, World Poker Tour is dedicated to using our extensive reach to affect positive change,” said Steve Heller, WPT CEO. “The launch of WPT Foundation at the beautiful SLS Hotel was a night to remember thanks to support of attending celebrities, the poker community and our fantastic charity partners and we look forward to many further fundraising events in the near future.”
For more information about this event, please contact Andy Gelb or Stephanie Samson of Slate PR at (310) 461-0111 or andy@slate-pr.com / stephanie@slate-pr.com.
WPT Media Contact:
Max Sloan – Press@WorldPokerTour.com
About World Poker Tour
World Poker Tour (WPT) is the premier name in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments. WPT has broadcast globally in over 150 countries and territories and is currently airing the ninth season on FSN in the United States. Season X of WPT is sponsored by ClubWPT.com, a unique online membership site which offers inside access to the WPT as well as a sweepstakes-based poker club and is available in 35 states across the U.S. WPT participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. WPT Enterprises Inc. is a subsidiary of bwin.party digital entertainment plc. For more information, go to WorldPokerTour.com.
About WPT Foundation
WPT Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing World Poker Tour’s exceptional international platform to influence positive change on a global scale. The core of WPT Foundation’s fundraising efforts is the ongoing series of philanthropic poker events titled WPT Playing for a Better World. WPT Foundation and its associated charity events will help bring awareness and raise critical funds for non-profit programs of excellence. This unprecedented philanthropic effort is dedicated to improving our planet by supporting key charities in regards to human rights, education, world hunger and the environment. For more information, visit www.WPTFoundation.org.
About Capian Enterprises
The WPT Playing for a Better World series is a project of Capian Enterprises, a cause brand marketing company led by CEO Kate Moulene. Capian Enterprises has created over 2 billion media impressions and has raised more than $20 million for charity. In addition to organizing the Global Creative Forum in support of the United Nations, Capian has organized events and campaigns with participation from Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, President Bill Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr., Kiefer Sutherland, Anne Hathaway, and dozens of other celebrities and corporate partners. For information on the WPT Foundation or WPT Foundation events and corporate partnerships, please contact Capian Enteprises at (818) 288-5283 or visit capianenterprises.com.
