Well, it wasn’t easy and we didn’t do it on our own, but we’re proud to say that on June 8, we reached the magical milestone of raising more than $500,000 for Australian grass roots sporting clubs and charities. Poker Deluxe founder and Managing Director Paul Walvisch said funds raised for the local clubs had been used to buy new equipment and upgrade ageing facilities.
“Our goal is to raise over one million dollars for sporting clubs around Australia by the end of 2014 and we’re proud to reach the halfway point,” Mr Walvisch said.
“Local sporting clubs are already struggling to stay afloat and the odds are against them in many cases. The recent cuts to State Government funding in South Australia, and the potential for other states to follow, means that many sporting clubs will
need to rely on member support and fundraising opportunities to survive.”
Mr Walvisch said poker had sky rocketed in popularity since Aussie Joe Hachem won the World Series of Poker in 2005 and that many sporting clubs were now using poker as a successful fundraising tool to bring the community together.
“We use a tournament-style format to bring out the competitive instincts, but it is more about enjoying poker in a social environment and raising money for the clubs rather than gambling.”
Sporting clubs are always on the lookout for new and interesting fundraising ideas. Poker Deluxe provides a different form of entertainment that involves social participation and also ensures the success of the fundraiser.
Operating since 2009, we’ve hosted more than 200 fundraiser events for more than 15 different sporting codes and other various charitable organisations. With the half way mark reached the team at Poker Deluxe have definitely taken a moment to celebrate the achievement, but realise its time to buckle down again and push for $1 million.
On behalf of everyone at Poker Deluxe we’d like to thank all the people who have worked tirelessly to make this happen and we look forward to seeing you all at the felt again soon. May the flop be with you!
