Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Highlights Upcoming Jennifer Harman Nevada SPCA Fundraiser
LAS VEGAS - Jennifer Harman and friends, both human and canine, met on the grounds of the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) no-kill animal sanctuary Monday afternoon for a ribbon cutting ceremony and press conference promoting the Second Annual Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament, scheduled for Friday, April 18th.
Joined by fellow pros Doyle Brunson, David Williams, Chip and Karina Jett, Hoyt Corkins, Chau Giang and celebrity tournament director Matt Savage, Harman spoke passionately about the Nevada SPCA and how the work they've done has helped save hundreds of animals that might have otherwise been euthanized. "I just feel a responsibility to these unconditional pets; they are wonderful things!" Jennifer said.
Nevada SPCA Executive Director Doug Duke praised Harman for rallying the entire poker industry and even referred to her as an "animal hero." "We think a thousand animals will be saved just from last year's tournament," Duke said. In its inaugural year, Jennifer's charity tournament raised $130,000, which allowed the Nevada SPCA to expand its facility with the addition of two new wings.
"One hundred percent goes to this structure (the Nevada SPCA no-kill sanctuary) and these animals, and that's what's so great about this event," Harman said.
The Venetian Hotel-Resort-Casino will host this year's tournament, which has drawn the interest of practically everybody who's anybody in the poker world. Among those players who have already confirmed are Phil Hellmuth, Johnny Chan, Howard Lederer, Phil Ivey, Erick Lindgren, Gavin Smith, Joe Sebok, T.J. Cloutier, Amarillo "Slim" Preston, Mike Matusow, Huckleberry Seed, Scotty Nguyen, Joe Hachem, Freddy Deeb and defending champ Kirk Morrison – and that's not even half the list! ESPN commentator Lon McEachern, NFL quarterback Shaun King and Vegas-based comedian Carrot Top are also expected to attend.
The tournament is open to the public with a recommended donation of $300+30 and optional re-donations (re-buys) of $200 will be available throughout the first three levels of play. The ultimate winner of the event will receive a $10,000 seat in this summer's World Series of Poker Main Event.
If you're unable to play, but would still like to contribute to the Nevada SPCA, visit nevadaspca.org/donate.htm or call Doug Duke at (702) 873-7722.
