Variety Children’s Charity Poker Event Raises More Than $250,000 at Paramount Studios
TL;DR — The 14th Variety Children’s Charity Poker Event, co-hosted by Jamie Gold and Bruce Buffer at Paramount Studios, raised over $250,000 for children with disabilities. The sold-out gathering featured poker professionals, celebrities, and 50 sponsors from the entertainment sector. It included adaptive bike presentations and has generated millions over 14 years.
SCCG Take — The event shows how sustained poker industry participation builds measurable charitable outcomes and strengthens ties with entertainment sponsors and local communities.
The 14th consecutive Variety Children’s Charity Poker Event took place in late July at Paramount Pictures studio in Los Angeles. Co-hosted by 2006 WSOP Main Event champion Jamie Gold and Bruce Buffer, the gathering raised more than $250,000 for the Variety Children’s Charity of Southern California. The funds support children with disabilities, special needs, and developmental challenges.
One highlight involved presenting six adaptive bikes to six children. These bikes deliver independence, confidence, inclusion, and the ability to ride with family and friends. Jamie Gold told PokerNews the moment stood out for all in attendance.
Event Format and Participants
Attendees enjoyed a catered meal, cash bar, casino games, and two poker tournaments. Ryan Feldman and Kyle “Raver Poker” Ravreby from Hustler Casino Live participated, as did Michael Mizrachi. Non-poker celebrities in the crowd included Peter Facinelli, Billy Burke, Mekhi Pfifer, Ray J and Princess Love, Nick Gonzales, Roger Cross, and Tony Dennison.
The invite-only event draws 800 guests and sells out each year. It featured 50 sponsors, among them Paramount, Disney, Universal, MGM, Regal, and Dolby. Not every guest enters the tournaments; many attend for the food, drinks, or games.
Charity Scale and Track Record
Variety ranks as the highest rated charity for effective giving on Charity Navigator and directs 85% of proceeds to families in need. The poker event has raised millions across its 14-year run at Paramount Studios. Globally, Variety has delivered over $2 billion through more than 300 programs in 20 countries, aiding over 45 million children with medical care, mobility equipment, and educational opportunities.
Bruce Buffer opened the tournaments with his signature “it’s time” announcement. The consistent turnout and sponsorship from major entertainment brands reflect sustained support for the cause.
Reporting: PokerNews
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Fourteen years, sold-out rooms, 50 entertainment sponsors — proof poker builds real charitable impact when execution is consistent.
We track poker's role beyond the felt. This event shows how talent relationships, venue access, and entertainment crossover create fundraising scale. Gold, Buffer, and Hustler Casino Live drew 800 guests and major studio backing — that's the convergence of poker credibility and Hollywood leverage SCCG connects every day across regulated and charitable ecosystems.
- Raised $250K; 14-year run has generated millions with 85% going direct to families
- Sold out 800 guests, 50 sponsors including Paramount, Disney, Universal, MGM, Dolby
- Featured poker pros (Mizrachi, Feldman, Ravreby), celebrities, adaptive bike presentations
SCCG angle: SCCG brokers the talent, sponsor, and venue relationships that make scaled charity poker work. We connect poker platforms to entertainment partners, match operators with credible causes, and structure events that deliver measurable impact and brand lift — exactly the playbook Gold and Buffer executed here.
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