Poker for the troops

03/03/2010

Celebrities, professional poker pros and politicians will gather in Washington DC tonight (Wednesday) to play in a poker tournament designed to raise funds for the Paralyzed Veterans of America - an organisation devoted to the care of US warriors seriously injured in the service of their country.

The event will be hosted by World Series of Poker bracelet winner Mike Sexton and Linda Johnson, and takes place at the Grand Hyatt, starting at 7pm Washington time.

The aim of the event is to raise awareness and funds for paralyzed veterans, and a $10 000 seat in the 2010 World Series of Poker Main Event is up for grabs by the best player.

Spectators can expect to see Andy Bloch, Lee Childs, Kenna "Cowboy" James and film star Ben Affleck in action, along with a host of other pros, politicians and celebrities.

The Poker Players Alliance is sponsoring the event, along with Walmart, Reynolds America, Orchestrate Technology, Merkle, Data Management Inc. and Midwest Direct Mailers.

The PPA says that funds raised by the event, and by a silent auction that is planned, will benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America, founded 63 years ago by a band of spinal cord injured service members returning home from World War II.