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The Variety Children’s Charity Poker Event returned for its 14th consecutive year in late July, held once again at Paramount Pictures studio in Los Angeles. Co-hosted by 2006 WSOP Main Event champion Jamie Gold, the evening raised more than $250,000 for the Variety Children’s Charity of Southern California, which supports children with disabilities, special needs, and developmental challenges.
UFC announcer and poker enthusiast Bruce Buffer co-hosted the event and kicked off the poker action with his signature “it’s time” announcement. The night included a catered dinner, a cash bar, casino games, and two poker tournaments split into high-stakes and low-stakes formats.
Poker figures in attendance included Hustler Casino Live personalities Ryan Feldman and Kyle Ravreby, as well as poker champion Michael Mizrachi. A number of television and film celebrities also joined the invite-only gathering, which sold out its 800-seat capacity as it does every year.
Gold said a highlight of the evening was the presentation of six adaptive bikes to children supported by Variety. The bikes, funded through donations, are given out annually and symbolize independence and inclusion for the recipients.
Variety, recognized by Charity Navigator as a top-rated organization for effective giving, directs 85% of proceeds straight to families in need. Over 14 years, the poker event has helped the charity raise millions of dollars for its cause.
The event drew support from roughly 50 sponsors, including major studios such as Paramount, Disney, Universal, and MGM. Celebrities spotted at the gathering included Peter Facinelli, Billy Burke, Mekhi Phifer, and Ray J with Princess Love, among others.
