Charity poker tourney for abused animals
24th April, 2008
Some of the biggest names on the global poker circuit have donated their time and money to a charity poker game in support of an American animal welfare group.
Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey and Barry Greenstein were among the 250 poker players who turned up for the event at the Venetian in Las Vegas, held in aid of the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Many of the attendees brought their own pets with them, including the typically hard-nosed Ivey who revealed an uncharacteristically soft side by posing for photos on the red carpet with a small kitten.
All told the event raised an impressive $325,000 (£165,000) for the charity, which provides refuge to mistreated and abandoned pets.
The buy-in for the invitation-only tournament was a relatively modest $300 (£150), but many of the pros showed their support for the cause by giving direct donations of between one and five thousand dollars.
Poker couple Howard and Susie Lederer made the biggest donation - a massive $55,000 cheque - while tournament director Matt Savage even adopted a cat.
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By Elena
