WPT host Mike Sexton donates half of his Tournament of Champions winnings to charity
“Ambassador of Poker” and PartyPoker.net host Mike Sexton fortified his honorary title when he donated half of his $1,000,000 Tournament of Champions winnings at the official WSOP party at the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio, LV on Friday night.
Sexton awarded $100,000 each to the Special Olympics, The Buoniconti Fund to help cure paralysis, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wounded Warrior Project that helps families of those wounded or killed in battle, and Children Incorporated, which provides food and school supplies for underprivileged children around the world. Children Incorporated is the primary recipient of donated monies from fellow poker player Barry Greenstein, known as the “Robin Hood of Poker.”
For years, Sexton has advocated that the poker world should make more charitable donations, pushing pros and businesses to make substantial contributions. Modeling his concept on the PGA Tour’s approach and its huge prize pools, he suggested that major poker tournaments should donate a percentage of the money to charity.
Sexton said: “It was fantastic that the charities sent representatives to the WSOP official party. I hope that the proceeds of my win help the amazing work they do.”
Warren Lush, spokesman for PartyPoker.net said: “It is an honor to have Mike Sexton as part of the PartyPoker.net team. He leads by example and when he wins a lot of other people win, too.”
The Tournament of Champions provided Sexton with his second WSOP bracelet in 17 years. The first was in Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo in 1989. He now stands among the top 10 for all-time number of finishes in the money at the WSOP with 37 cashes. He has nearly $2.7 million in total tournament winnings.
