Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006

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Charities can cash in with poker DVD sales

By Sarah Polson

Philip Ittleson, poker player and producer of the poker documentary "No Limit," has started a new Web site called PokerGivesBack.org that will give charities a way to raise money through the poker craze without incurring any costs.

At the site, people can buy the "No Limit" DVD and have part of the purchase go to the charity of their choice. At PokerGivesBack.org, $10 for every DVD sold will go to charity.

The documentary follows the life of a divorced couple with their child who head out on the poker tournament circuit hoping to make it big and save their production company.

The movie includes more than 40 professional poker stars such as Doyle Brunson, Phil Gordon, Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen, Annie Duke, Chris Moneymaker, Mike Sexton, David Sklansky, Barry Greenstein, Chip Jett, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Clonie Gowen, David Ulliot, Evelyn Ng, Howard Lederer, Jennifer Harman, Kathy Liebert, Kenna James, Mel Judah, Mark Seif, Men "The Master" Nguyen, Miami John Cernuto and Puggy Pearson.

"Practically everyone in America is playing poker or at the very least, knows someone who does. This is the perfect gift and a great way to support a good cause," Ittleson said. "Using poker to raise money for charity is a great way to engage the 70 Million players in the U.S."

Charity organizations can also register with the site after which they will be given an email to send out to their members with a donation code and an explanation of the fundraiser. Any interested organization such as the American Cancer Society or even a high school class looking to raise money for something can go to the Web site and sign up for free.

"It's a great opportunity that costs the organization nothing and should enable them to raise hundreds if not thousands of dollars," Ittleson said. "My goal is to give away $1 million in the coming year."

So far there are three charities listed on the site - the Animal Rescue Fund, Bad Beat on Cancer, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver.

Related Articles:

Poker Documentary Earns Film Festival Award
Poker Documentary Premiers at Vegas Casino
"No Limit" Screened at Film Festivals

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