One Step Charity Poker Championship Returns to Chicago in March
On Thursday, March 6, One Step Program will host the 2014 Charity Poker Championship benefitting Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. at the beautiful National Hellenic Museum in Chicago. This marks the ninth year of the tournament, which will offer approximately $15,000 in prizes including a seat into the 2014 World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas.
"Our strong volunteer base is the key to our long-term success with this event," said Stuart Lissner, Board Member of Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. and Co-Chairman of One Step Programs 2014 Charity Poker Championship. "We typically have 50 to 75 volunteers working the event. We have experienced poker directors, dealers, bankers, registrants, table monitors and an excellent MC. We are excited that One Brick is again providing us with approximately 20 of their volunteers for our event."
Last year the charity event attracted approximately 270 players and was won by Carl Brownell, the Social Science Department Chair at Maine East High School. Unfortunately, Brownell was knocked out of the 2013 WSOP on Day 1, though he was able to meet and play against a few celebrity poker pros.
Speaking of celebrities, this year the tournament is expected to attract some.
"We have had various celebrities attend our event in the past but it is too early to confirm which celebrities may show up at our event this year," Lissner said "Though Dan Bernstein from WSCR 'The Score' will be our MC for the event."
Players from all over Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland-area are expected to join in on an evening of poker as well as food and drinks, prizes, and of course, charity.
The Children's Oncology Services, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. Through One Step Programs, COSI offers camp experiences and educational programs throughout the year that allow children with cancer to just be kids.
Here are some details on the event:
- When: Thursday, March 6th (Check-in begins at 4:45 p.m.). Poker tournament begins at 6 p.m. (all participants should be checked-in and seated by 5:45 p.m.) Tournament seating will be random via the draw. Seating is limited to 270 players.
- Where: The National Hellenic Museum at 333 S Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
- Parking: Valet parking is available for $12. There are also several public parking lots available within walking distance of the National Hellenic Museum.
- Price: $295 player ticket, $75 spectator ticket. Early bird tickets by February 16 are $280 player
"We are again fortunate to have our tournament sponsored by Robert W. Baird & Co., and the support of other contributing sponsors such as Coyote Logistics, Townhouse Financial, WSCR ("The Score"), Milwaukee Brewing Co., Marcello’s Restaurant and Associated Agencies," Lissner concluded. "We believe that the mission of our organization ‘to improve the quality of life for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer’ really resonates with the players and spectators and they are willing to donate money or make multiple rebuys because they know it is going to a great cause."
To sign up or for more information about the tournament structure, please visit onestepcamp.org.
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