Published on April 8, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT:
Apoorva Sabnis-Stull
(703) 837-3687
apoorva.sabnis-stull@preventcancer.org
EVENT CONTACT:
Jan Mahrer
(703) 519-2106
jan.mahrer@preventcancer.org
Washington Power Players try to Outmaneuver Poker Heavyweights for a Seat at the
2009 World Series of Poker
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Prevent Cancer Foundation — the only organization in the United States solely dedicated to the prevention of cancer since 1985 — will hold its 5th Annual Bad Beat on Cancer Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament in the East Hall of Washington’s historic Union Station on April 28, 2009. The proceeds will go towards the Foundation’s mission: the prevention and early detection of cancer through scientific research, education and community outreach to all populations, including children and the underserved.
This widely attended and popular Foundation fundraiser featured special guests, including top professional poker champions as well as noted members of the government, corporate and sports communities. Members of Congress who are confirmed to attend the event include Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX), Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT), Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA), Congressman James McGovern (D-MA) and Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA). Returning as the master of ceremonies for the evening is professional poker champion and Prevent Cancer board member, Phil Gordon, who will provide play by play commentary as the games happen. In addition, Gordon, along with other professional players Lee Childs, Rafe Furst and Howard Lederer, will hold a “poker clinic” for first-time players and for those who would just like a refresher or tips.
“The Prevent Cancer Foundation realizes that poker is a great way to bring the D.C. community together to help the Foundation fulfill its mission and have a little fun,” explains Phil Gordon, co-founder of the Bad Beat on Cancer and Prevent Cancer Foundation board member. “Since its inception, Bad Beat on Cancer™ has raised over $2 million and has grown to include other major poker tournaments, leagues and home games.”
The winner of the tournament fundraiser will claim the ultimate grand prize, a $10,000 seat at the 2009 World Series of Poker. The tournament — sponsored by Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Ford Motors, American Gaming Association and American Legacy Foundation, Poker Players Alliance and the National Association of Broadcasters — will feature players at 10 tables vying to win in a round robin format. The winner from each table will move on to play a final championship game and win prizes generously donated to the event, including the ultimate grand prize, a $10,000 seat at the 2009 World Series of Poker.
Since its inception in 2004, the Bad Beat on Cancer initiative has raised over $1.2 million to fund the Foundation’s efforts in the areas of cancer research, education and community outreach. Similar Bad Beat on Cancer tournaments have been staged nationwide in New York, Los Angeles and Houston. If you’re interested in holding a Bad Beat on Cancer tournament or poker game in your community to benefit the Prevent Cancer Foundation, visit: www.preventcancer.org for more information.
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About Prevent Cancer Foundation
The Prevent Cancer Foundation was started in 1985. Today, it is one of the nation’s leading health organizations and has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. Through healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin and testicular cancers.
Since its inception the Prevent Cancer Foundation has provided more than $106 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs across the country. The Foundation’s peer-reviewed grants have been awarded to nearly 400 scientists from more than 150 of the leading academic medical centers nationwide. This research has been pivotal in developing a body of knowledge that is the basis for important cancer prevention and early detection strategies. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.
