Miami’s A-Listers Raise more than $450,000 at Charity Poker Game

Photo Credit: Gabriel Bancora

Philanthropists, celebrities and pro-athletes alike gathered together at Nobu Miami to participate in the third annual charity poker game produced by After-School All-Stars, the nation’s largest school-based after-school program targeting middle school youth. In a luxurious day filled with ample entertainment, high-stakes bidding and copious refreshments, over $450,000 was raised toward providing comprehensive, after-school programs for 2,000 low-income youth in South Florida and over 70,000 youth nationwide.

Photo Credit: Gabriel BancoraA Bloody Mary bar and hand-crafted cocktails kicked off the day’s stellar line-up of offerings, from Nobu’s sushi and Asian-fusion delicacies to top-shelf wine and liquor tastings; hand-rolled cigars and shoulder massages were even offered in the venue’s al fresco lounge. Guests enjoyed the poker tournament hosted by Wayne Boich, Mark Groussman and Sean Posner, all while vying to win Hublot’s most sought-after time pieces.

Photo Credit: Gabriel BancoraNotable attendees, including actress Vivica A. Fox, former NBA players Ray Allen, Mark Strickland and Alonzo Mourning, former Major League Baseball player Mike Lowell and retired New York Jets linebacker Marvin Jones, joined in the gambling festivities, while the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers Championship Playoffs game played on the venue’s many TV screens for those who shied away from the tables. Critically acclaimed comedian Tom Arnold even performed a special comedy act before the start of a live auction of exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Photo Credit: Gabriel BancoraSince its inception three years ago, the annual All-In for All-Stars poker event has raised over $1.4 million, enabling the charity to fulfill their mission of helping students succeed in school and life. This year’s contributing sponsors included Hublot, Nobu Miami, Crystal Cruises, Hard Rock Hotel-Hollywood, Inspirato, VeraVia, NatGeo Fine Art Galleries, 1 Ocean Yachts, Fox Sports Florida, Miami Marlins, Miami HEAT, Louis XIII, Haute Living, Chivas Regal, Rose magazine, Arome Rum, XM Cigar Co, Estrella Damm and Warren Henry Auto Group.

For more information about After-School All-Stars, visit www.as-as.org and www.sfasas.org.