There, now that I got your attention, I was honored to be one of the second-year inductees into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. Joining me were June Field, the founder of Card Player Magazine, and Cyndy Violette, noted top high-limit pro. Each of them is a WSOP gold bracelet winner and has been in the poker industry as long as have I ... 30 years give or take a few.
The Women In Poker Hall Of Fame (more fondly called the WIPHOF) was founded by Lupe Soto and designed to honor women who have acquired prominence and made contributions to the poker community. June has been a proponent of women's events while playing in them over the years and also by promoting the growth of women in poker. She founded Card Player Cruises, which became a stand-alone company many years ago, and I was lucky enough to become a partner in it.
Cyndy Violette has been a one-woman wrecking ball on the poker circuit for many years. Always an icon of decorum and class, she won a WSOP bracelet and other numerous championships across the country. She owns a clothing line and is a spokesperson for a macrobiotic diet. I applaud Cyndy's “stick-to-it-ness,†as she's talked the talk and walked the walk for as long as I can remember. She may also be among the truly healthiest poker players on the planet! The two ladies and I join the inaugural members, Marsha Waggoner, Barbara Enright, Linda Johnson, and Susie Isaacs in this Hall of Fame.
But the best part of this event (other than the fact that I was inducted, of course!) is its large charity element. Poker Gives (pokergives.org), was the charity of choice for this event. Mike Sexton, Linda Johnson, Lisa Tenner, and I founded this charity to raise funds from poker players who want to “give back.†The Intrepid Fallen Heroes, Special Olympics, and The Paralyzed Veterans of America are the designated charities of Poker Gives.
Several fundraising events were held during the WIPHOF weekend, including a silent auction and our first charity poker tournament. More than $35,000 was raised for Poker Gives. We are very proud of how this vehicle assists the poker community with an easy way to designate a portion of their winnings or buy-ins to a worthy cause where the majority of the money goes directly to those in need, rather than administrative fees. No one on the Board of Directors of Poker Gives receives or ever will receive a salary. Our aim, which so far is being met, is to get 95 cents of each dollar raised to our causes.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the poker tournament on June 4 and to the Golden Nugget for hosting both events, and to Lisa Wheeler of Greasie Wheels for helping coordinate the media. Thanks also to Mike Sexton for being an outstanding emcee and to Jeffrey Pollack for taking time out of his busy schedule during the World Series of Poker to stop by and say a few words.
Thanks also to Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman for issuing an official decree proclaiming June 5 to be the Women in Poker Hall of Fame Day. Thanks also to our many, many anonymous donors. Lastly, thank you for the honor of allowing me into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. Moving right along!
Jan Fisher has 30 years experience as a poker player, tournament director, strategist/columnist, co-founder of the Tournament Directors Association, Partner in Card Player Cruises, WPT Boot Camp instructor and statistician, and live studio announcer for the Professional Poker Tour. E-mail Jan at Jan@cardplayercruises.com.
