From One Drop to disaster relief, we have all seen how poker events can be a great way to bring awareness and money to charitable efforts.
That connection is about to be thrown into the spotlight yet again, as PokerStars will be working with Prostate Cancer UK to create a special charity event this September.
The event, known as Lads Night In, will take place on September 25.
Rather than host a single charity tournament or a gala event at a casino, however, PokerStars and Prostate Cancer UK are encouraging as many people as possible to take part by bringing the charitable action into every home game in the UK.
Home Games Across UK to Take Part in Event
If players want to participate in the fundraising, they can sign up to register their home game at the Lads Night In website, where they can commit to donating some or all of their home game prize pool to the Prostate Cancer UK charity.
In exchange, the game organizers will receive a special pack that includes a deck of cards from PokerStars, a dealer button, and a “Man of Men” pin that signifies the Men United campaign, Prostate Cancer UK’s movement that seeks to get men working together in order to fight the disease.
“Prostate cancer kills one man every hour,” said Own Sharp, CEO of Prostate Cancer UK. “We’re doing everything we can to change this, but it’s a numbers game and we urgently need more help if we are going to reduce the number of lives being cut short by this disease. That’s why we are calling on as many people as possible to get involved, raise funds over a friendly game of poker, and help beat this silent killer once and for all.”
It is likely that many PokerStars pros and other celebrities will find ways to take part in the Lads Night In promotion.
One who has already committed to the initiative is Jake Cody, who will host a private VIP game that night in London, one that five players will have the chance to win a seat in.
“Lads Night In is a really fun way to raise money and awareness for an amazing cause,” Cody said. “If you want to be in with a chance to win a VIP Lads Night In experience in London, including travel and accommodation, sign up to Lads Night In then tweet using #JCLadsNightIn explaining who your dream opponent(s) is and why.”
Poker and Prostate Cancer Charity Make Perfect Fit, PokerStars Says
According to Sue Hammett, the Head of Corporate Giving at PokerStars, the fact that poker is still a game chiefly played by men makes this particular charity a perfect fit for them to work with.
“One in eight men in the UK will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime,” Hammett said. “PokerStars is in constant contact with tens of thousands of men every day and this partnership will be invaluable in terms of spreading awareness and educating men about prostate cancer, raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and ultimately saving lives.”
Prostate Cancer UK is the official charity partner of the Football League, the organization that contains the second through fourth tiers of professional soccer in England.
The charity has been in operation for 10 years, providing services to men suffering from prostate cancer and their families.
