The online poker competition will be hosted at PokerStars and broadcast survive on Twitch, Facebook and YouTube. International stars will turn their electronic cameras on as they take their seats at the virtual table, and poker lovers the world over can join hosts James Hartigan and Lex Veldhuis as they follow the action while dropping in on crowd favorites.
Viewers will also be able to add to the cause through a 'Donate' button on their platform of option.
Conceived and united by star Hank Azaria and journalist, author and film writer Andy Bellin, this special event is quick building momentum. Spaces are minimal and celebrities currently registered include Edward Norton, Brian Koppelman, Amy Schumer, Bryan Cranston, Don Cheadle, Michael Cera, Jon Hamm, Jeff Garlin, David Schwimmer, Eric Bogosian, Jason Alexander, Brad Garrett, Michael Ian Black, Kevin Pollak, Tony Yazbeck, Max Kruse, and lots of more.
The leading put celebrities will direct their portions of $1 million, contributed by PokerStars, to a charity of their choosing and take home exceptional bragging rights. Fifty percent of the overall contribution will go directly to Care International on behalf of those playing, as well as all earnings donated through live stream. Grants to charities will be administered by the Show business Foundation (EIF), a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity that satisfies all 20 BBB Charity Standards.
"This occasion is a great method to combine real offering where it's needed with a method to stay at home and yet still connect with people from around the world. A friendly video game of poker reminds us how life utilized to be, which hopefully we get back to quickly," stated Hank Azaria. "It's a way for individuals to engage for a good cause and enjoy themselves at the exact same time. The response has been actually great, and I'll inform you, when PokerStars stepped up like that, I was really kind of moved by it. We were hoping they 'd put in some money, however to basically finance the whole thing to the tune of a million dollars, is pretty extraordinary."
To include a little additional competitors, PokerStars is surprising gamers and fans by offering them the chance to bet the stars. PokerStars Ambassadors, Streamers and Celebrities will hold neighborhood giveaways and those chosen will fight it out on May 9 to direct further donations to Care International. Two fields - celebs and players - will then soft-pedal to their particular last tables and combine for the ultimate face-off. Celebrities who get knocked out early will be included into a side occasion where the winner will direct 10% of the overall to charity.
"This occasion began as an easy conversation between our team, Hank, Andy and the Entertainment Industry Foundation as a way to produce positive entertainment and raise support for crucial causes during these difficult times," said Rebecca McAdam Willetts, Associate Director of Public Relations at PokerStars. "We were thrilled that they pertained to us and have actually been blown away by the momentum it's gotten. With people progressively utilizing our items to connect, complete and remain social while safe in the house, we are thrilled to demonstrate how the video game we enjoy can be utilized to bring individuals together and do great ... with the included bonus offer of unexpected some poker fans along the way."
"We are honored to work as a partner to artists in our community to help raise funds - and spirits - throughout this time," stated Regina Miller, Chief Strategy Advisor to the Show Business Foundation. "With PokerStars setting the stage and Hank and Andy leading the charge, we are anticipating an exciting night of fundraising to benefit individuals across the world."
To hear more from Hank Azaria and for more information check out the PokerStars Blog.
