HOLLYWOOD — Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood hosted a charity poker tournament Oct. 3 benefiting Feeding South Florida and its hurricane relief efforts. PokerStars, which is the flagship brand of The Stars Group Inc. and is the world’s most licensed online gaming brand, matched the tournament donation to further assist the relief effort to raise more than $66,000 for the charity.

Bryan Emory from Plantation, bested 124 total entries and took first place in the $300 buy-in event, winning $3,000 and a $20,000 package to PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in January.
Sue Hammett, Department Head, Corporate Giving at The Stars Group said, “We are proud to have worked with Seminole Hard Rock to raise money for Feeding South Florida and support their efforts with the recovery process following Hurricane Irma. For those who have been affected by the destruction left behind, this event is just one way of helping the community and we hope this will encourage others to give back. We’re honoured to be able to help make a difference with Seminole Hard Rock and alongside the support from the very generous poker community and are delighted that the event has raised more than $55,000.”

“It’s so heart-warming to see the outpour of support from our community,” said Susan Renneisen, vice president of community affairs and special events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. “We all know someone who has been affected by these recent storms. We are so thankful to PokerStars for their generous contribution and to Feeding South Florida for their work in the community as we continue to rebuild.”

Members of Team PokerStars Pro, Jason Mercier, Jen Shahade and Jeff Gross, were also in attendance to support the charity, along with recording artist FRAN¢ also known as former Miami Dolphins player A.J. Francis.

Funds raised from the tournament will go directly to Feeding South Florida’s distribution efforts, ensuring water, meals and other non-food supplies are getting to those most in need of assistance. While continuing to support evacuees in shelters, Feeding South Florida also supports cities with boil water alerts, families struggling to put food on the table and nearly 400 non-profit partner agencies.