NBA star Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation teamed up with the World Poker Tour (WPT) Foundation for a successful fourth annual charity poker event at Wynn Las Vegas on September 13th.
LAS VEGAS, NV (September 18, 2024) – Held at the Intrigue Nightclub and hosted by Russell and Nina Westbrook, the 4th Annual Why Not? Foundation Poker Night Event was one to remember. Featuring VIP appearances by Basketball Legend Chris Paul, and reality TV personality and poker player Princess Love. Poker pros were amongst the participants and contributed to the event such as Jason Koon, WPT commentators Vince Van Patten, Matt Savage and Tony Dunst, who MC’d the event with presenter Drea Renee, Tom Marchese, Charlie Hook, and Alan Keating, along with content creator Joey Ingram and entrepreneur Brandon Steven.
The final table prizes included Denver Nuggets floor seats, a signed jersey, a meet-and-greet, and a private basketball lesson with Westbrook.
Early estimates suggest the event has raised more than $1.5 million in four years. Participants paid $7,500 for tournament entry, which included a Wynn stay and access to exclusive parties, while non-players contributed $1,200.
The annual Poker Night continues to be a cornerstone fundraising event for the Why Not? Foundation, furthering its mission to provide educational opportunities, workforce development programs, and critical mental health and wellness resources. This year’s event was another success, as the Why Not? Foundation in partnership with the WPT Foundation® brought together the poker and sports communities in an exciting effort to make a lasting impact.
For next year’s tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@whynotfoundation.org.
About the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation
Founded in 2012, the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation aims to create pathways of empowerment for underserved populations. The foundation is committed to the perseverance of underserved communities by implementing structured educational opportunities, workforce development, and accessible mental health resources. With “Why Not?” being a personal ignition for Russell Westbrook, the foundation looks to instill this mindset in the youth while offering resources to set children and their communities up for continued success. For more information, please visit: whynotfoundation.org.
About the 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. WPT has hosted live poker tournaments in 48 countries, drawn more than 400,000 total entries, and awarded more than $1.5 billion in prize money. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show, which has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 22nd season, which airs on Bally Sports in the United States. Season XXII of WPT is sponsored by ClubWPT.com. ClubWPT.com is a unique online membership site that offers inside access to the WPT, as well as a sweepstakes-based poker club available in 43 states and territories across the United States, Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities.
In 2012, the WPT Foundation was launched, which has gone on to raise over $50 million through 12 years and 50 events. 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, go to WPT.com.