It has been a busy couple of weeks for poker professional Jennifer Harman. Last weekend, as a part of the festivities surrounding the 2015 World Series of Poker “November Nine” Championship Event final table, Harman became only the third woman ever inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame (following Barbara Enright and Linda Johnson) and the 50th inductee overall into that prestigious institution. Those festivities took up some of Harman’s time as she was also preparing for a charity tournament that supports a cause that Harman has always been a strong advocate for. The Jennifer Harman Celebrity Poker Tournament will be held on “The Mezz” at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on Friday night (November 13) and will feature a veritable “Who’s Who” of the poker, television, film, sport and celebrity worlds coming together to raise funds for the support of the Nevada Society for the Prevention to the Cruelty of Animals.
While we felt a bit bad about doing it, we took a bit of Harman’s time to discuss her work with the Nevada SPCA, her induction into the Poker Hall of Fame and how she would like to be remembered both professionally and personally.
Poker News Daily: The Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been a pet project of yours for some time. How did you first get involved with them?
Jennifer Harman: I was playing at the World Series of Poker and there was a man who was talking about the Nevada SPCA. I was thinking, “I want to help.” So I contacted Doug Duke at the Nevada SPCA and asked what I could do to help. That’s when we came up with the idea to have a Charity Poker Event to help the animals at the NSPCA.
PND: How many years now have you been hosting the tournament and how much has been raised?
JH: I’ve been involved through hosting the tournament now for seven years. Over that time span, we’ve been able to raise about $1.5 million.
PND: What does the money raised through the tournament do for the Nevada SPCA?
JH: The money does many things. One year we were able to build a whole new wing and because of that, they were able to rescue and save many more dogs. The money also goes to rehabilitating the animals that would end up dying. This is my passion…rehabilitating and taking in pregnant animals that normally wouldn’t stand a chance.
PND: You’ve normally had many friends join you at the tournament and this year is no different. Who are some of the celebrities and poker players that will be there this year?
JH: You’re right, the list is a long one! Just to name a few, there’s Vanessa Rousso, Mike Matusow, Chip and Karina Jett, Perry Friedman, Emily Jillette, Lance Burton, Nolan Dalla, The Duke of Freemont Street, Jackie Ibarra from the latest Big Brother cast and many others.
PND: You also were inducted into the Hall of Fame last weekend. How important was it for you to get into the Hall and what does it say about your career?
JH: It was an unbelievable honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Every time I play poker, my main goal is to play as well as I possibly can. Poker is a solo sport and, when your peers recognize that you are a good player and vote you into the Hall of Fame, that is quite an honor.
PND: You are representing one of two underrepresented segments of the poker world and the Poker Hall of Fame – women, while international players would be the other. What can be done to have more women and international players considered for the Poker Hall of Fame?
JH: I have said this many times…he women that get involved playing poker and take it seriously are all successful. That is quite a record. Also, there are many – and I say many – international players that should get in. I hope that I will do a good job representing the Hall of Fame and getting players in that truly deserve to be there.
PND: How does it feel to receive what is basically a “lifetime achievement” honor when you’re still a very active professional?
JH: It really is a wonderful feeling to have a lifetime achievement honor. I don’t think I will ever give up poker. It’s in my blood and I have been grinding at the game my entire life. I am always striving to get better. Always!
PND: You’ve had a very difficult life with your kidney problems and the resulting transplants you’ve had over the years. What kept you going through all the difficulties?
JH: My kidney is doing great, knock on wood!
Yes, I have had struggles in my life. But I don’t think anyone has gone through life without some struggles, it’s just that some are less and some more. It’s important to stay grounded and realize what is really important in your life. It is a short life so I say to live life to the fullest. Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s not so important in the big picture. I also believe it’s important to be outward focused and be helpful to the people and things in need.
PND: Finally, what would you like your legacy to be, in poker and in life?
JH: That’s a tough question. I guess I would want my legacy in poker to be that I stayed grounded, played well and came out on top.
In life, I would want to be recognized for bringing attention to organ donor awareness, helping as much as I can in other areas and, perhaps the most important, is for my kids to think that I am the best mommy ever and did the best I can.
Many thanks to Jennifer for her time and congratulations once again on her induction into the Poker Hall of Fame. Tomorrow’s tournament festivities will kick off with a “red carpet” walk beginning at 5PM (Pacific Time) and the tournament will start at 6:30PM. If you are interested in taking part in the festivities surrounding the Jennifer Harman Celebrity Poker Tournament benefitting the Nevada SPCA, more information can be found at the Nevada SPCA website.
