Eleven-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth will be lending his star power to benefit HospiceCare, Inc. when he hosts the Phil Hellmuth Hold’em with HospiceCare charity poker tournament in December.
The tournament will take place in Hellmuth’s hometown of Madison, Wisconsin in the penthouse of the Arbor Gate complex on December 18th from 3:00pm to Midnight. Hellmuth will be playing in the tournament and prizes will be raffled off during the evening to benefit HospiceCare, Inc. These include a seat in the 2011 WSOP Main Event and a two-year lease on a 2011 Honda Accord LX.
For those who want to participate in the festivities, there are several ticket options available. The $500 ticket will allow the buyer to enjoy the day fully, participate in the poker tournament, and have special access to a VIP room where Hellmuth and other celebrities will be mingling. A $300 ticket includes food, drinks, and a seat in the tournament.
Finally, a $100 ticket will allow people to get into the event, albeit not play in the tournament. All of the proceeds will benefit patients and families served by HospiceCare Inc., a nonprofit hospice caring for more than 630 patients a day in Wisconsin.
Over 500 players are expected for the tournament, with many of the competitors coming from all around the Midwest. If the players in the tournament are skilled enough to make the final table, there will be an additional treat waiting for them. The members of the final table of the tournament will have the privilege of having Hellmuth as one of their opponents and will face the arduous task of trying to take down the former World Champion.
Several sponsors have lined up to join Hellmuth at his charity tournament, including UB.com. Others companies that will be a part of the tournament’s festivities include Adams Outdoor Advertising, Bonfyre American Grille, Clear Channel Radio, Coors Light, McDonalds, Miller Lite, and Zimbrick Honda, which is putting up the Accord.
Despite his reputation in the game as the “Poker Brat,” Hellmuth is one of the most ardent supporters of using poker for charitable means. In the past, Hellmuth has been a supporter of several causes and used his poker celebrity status to bring attention to various organizations.
A cause that has been very important to Hellmuth is the law enforcement community. He has hosted several tournaments in Las Vegas that have benefited the TASER Foundation, an organization that helps the families of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Hellmuth has also been involved in charitable events for such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Doctors Without Borders, and Heifer International, a charity dedicated to relieving global hunger and poverty.