Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation Sets Sixth Poker Night at Fontainebleau
The Sept. 18 fundraiser returns with the WPT Foundation, a new venue and more than $2 million raised to date.
Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation is hosting its annual poker fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 18, with the sixth edition set for Fontainebleau Las Vegas’s members-only Poodle Room.
The event will once again be presented in partnership with the WPT Foundation and will be hosted by Russell and Nina Westbrook. The night will be led by Poker Reporter Drea Renee, with Vince VanPatten serving as co-host.
This year also marks the event’s debut at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The schedule starts at 5:30 p.m. with a Poker Refresher, followed by the official Poker Night and Entertainment at 6 p.m.
The fundraiser has raised more than $2 million to date, and all proceeds go to the Why Not? Foundation’s work in educational access, workforce development, and mental health and wellness programs in underserved communities. The foundation describes the poker night as a signature part of its effort to open up new opportunities for underserved youth.
Westbrook linked the event to his recent retirement announcement from the NBA after an 18-year career, calling it “a new door opened for impact at the highest level.” He also said that since 2012 it has been an honor to build new pathways to success for young people in his hometown of South Los Angeles.
The release also framed the poker night as a long-running partnership. Adam Pliska, CEO of World Poker Tour, said the event has become an annual tradition entering its sixth year, and WPT Foundation has supported key charities through more than 50 events and raised more than $50 million since launching in 2012.
