On October 12th, poker pro Beth Shak will be hosting a fundraising event in conjunction with AOL at the Luxe Lounge at Lucky Strike in Manhattan. The gala will benefit the charity of the winner’s choice and several affordable ticket options are available.
Billiards, a hip DJ, a one-hour open bar featuring ZYR Vodka, numerous poker tables, and a massive HD projection screen atop the bowling lanes are just a few of the attractions that will bring charity dollars in. Shak told Poker News Daily in an exclusive interview, “We’re charging for ticket sales and all of the money will go to the winner’s charity of choice. Even if you don’t play poker, you can go there and pay a $40 general admission. You can bowl, play pool, and have a good time.” The open bar will become a cash bar after the one-hour mark.
Unlike other events, the Luxe Lounge fundraiser does not have a designated beneficiary for the money raised. Instead, the winner of the charity poker tournament will be able to donate funds to an organization near and dear to their heart. Shak explained the reasoning behind the decision: “I thought it was better to let people play for what they care about. Most people have a charity that they care about, so whoever wins will get money for it.”
Four AOL blogs are funneling readers to Shak’s fundraising effort: Asylum, Lemon Drop, Luxist, and Gadlin. Poker seats are available for $100 per person and prizes surrounding the theme of the “ultimate bachelor pad” will be given away. Instructor tables will also be available for those who aren’t versed in the game of poker. You can purchase tickets to the charity gala on October 12th in New York City by clicking here.
Shak has been a staple of the fundraising world, sinking a considerable amount of time and energy into raising money for a variety of worthwhile causes, including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Shak explained why she continues to be actively involved in the charity scene after so many years: “A big thing that drives me is giving back to the world. As much as I like pretty things, I give back as much as I possibly can. As long as I have time, I go to any fundraiser I can. Unlike other poker players out there, I don’t charge anyone or take first class tickets. I don’t take anything. I’m there because I think it’s a good cause.”
On Shak’s horizon is a trip to Gauteng, South Africa for the World Series of Poker’s (WSOP) first ever Circuit stop on the continent. On the reason for taking the trans-Atlantic trip, Shak told Poker News Daily, “I thought a change of scenery might help. For whatever reason, I haven’t been doing well around here.” According to the Hendon Mob database, Shak has not cashed for five-figures in a major live poker tournament since late 2008.
Shak is one of the top female poker players in the industry. Accordingly, we asked her to give us the names of the top two women in poker, in her opinion. Her response: “I think it has to be Kathy Liebert and then Vanessa Selbst. Kathy has about $6 million in tournament winnings and completely flies under the radar. She is one of the most patient and amazing players out there. Vanessa won an open World Series of Poker bracelet. That’s big. Otherwise, you’re known for winning a women’s event. If I could emulate either of them, I’d be happy.”
Visit the Asylum, Lemon Drop, Luxist, and Gadlin AOL blogs for more information.