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Nautica Charity Poker Festivals Raises $227,000

CLEVELAND, Ohio – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Over $227,000 has been raised by charities hosting Nautica Charity Poker Festivals over the last four weeks, including the Cleveland Police Athletic League, Art on Wheels and Easter Seals. After expenses, these charities will have raised over $127,000 from fund-raising that reached out to new people as a source of revenue.

This past weekend's Festival was hosted by Easter Seals, which realized approximately $55,000 in income generated by seat fees, donations and concessions. Subject to final accounting, Easter Seals will have gained approximately $33,000 in net income from the four-day festival.

"This has been a windfall for Easter Seals," noted Sheila Dunn, President and CEO of Easter Seals. "We agreed to host the Nautica Charity Poker Festival after we had budgeted for the year, so we view this as new income to further our cause of helping children and adults with disabilities." she added.

The Nautica Charity Poker Festivals consist of 12 four-day festivals featuring Texas Hold 'Em played in tournament and open-play format, inside an air-conditioned Festival Center at the Nautica Entertainment Center. The Festivals are held Thursdays to Sundays and run throughout the summer. Winners of tournaments held at the past four Festivals have been awarded cash prizes of over $98,000 with a $1,800 cash prize won on Sunday. In addition, thousands of dollars were won in open-play cash games. While players keep their cash winnings, each Festival is hosted by a qualified charity that receives 100% of the proceeds in the form of hourly seat fees and concession income.

"These festivals have been a win/win situation for everyone involved," said Dave Grunenwald, Vice President of Development/Leasing for Jacobs Investments, which owns the Nautica Entertainment Complex. ""People playing poker had an enjoyable time, Easter Seals benefited by publicity and money generated from the festival, and all of the volunteers who worked countless hours as dealers and in supporting roles left the festival knowing they helped a great cause", added Grunenwald.

Charities hosting upcoming Festivals include Cleveland Baseball Federation, Greater Cleveland Special Olympics, Up Side of Downs, Northeast Ohio Breast Cancer Coalition, Cleveland Municipal Football and The Church of The Transfiguration.

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