Pud's Poker Progress / Matthew Pitt / 15 December 2008 / 1 Comments

Over the weekend I was sat wondering what I could write in some articles this week, when I decided to make some notes on the various poker related charities. As a poker player, I am aware that to the non-playing folks, I am seen as some sort of shady gambler who risks his entire possessions on the turn of a card on a daily basis. Of course, fellow players know this to be total tripe but whilst taking notes, I got thinking how I would like to do my bit for charities too.

Whilst growing up, my family were far from what you would call rich but we always had a nice clean house, good quality food, clean clothes and we never went wanting for anything. I guess we would be counted as working class in terms of the social ladder.

Over the past few years I have had my series of ups and downs but have come out stronger at the end of everything. Despite having little in the way of material possessions, I count myself as lucky, especially when I compare myself to some people much less fortunate than myself. I do not have to worry about being cold or hungry, I have a loving family behind me, a network of good friends and apart from carrying a few extra pounds, I am pretty healthy. I am also fortunate that I make money from the hobby that I love, although it is only a small amount compared to some players.

Researching my article led to to a few players who do their best to pass on some of their poker winnings to good causes. Tony G recently won a tournament in Asia and donated his winnings to a local orphanage, whilst Barry Greenstein famously gives away the majority of his tournament winnings and lives off his cash game profits. This got me thinking.

I would love to be able to give some money to charity on a regular basis or do something for the community that I live in or have been a part of and fund this through playing poker. I have big plans for next year which, if they come off, should put me in a position to help out a few projects. I do not actually know why this has suddenly come to me but I guess, like many people, I live my own life in blinkers and kind of forget about those around us.

The first steps of this "plan" have taken place as I am going to donate my PlayStation 2 to one of the local hospitals so the kids on the ward have something to entertain them. Whilst this is only a small gesture, it is more than a lot of people will have done and a step in the right direction. I also plan to give blood on a regular basis once again. I have only given a couple of pints in the past but in recent times I have been lazy and not bothered. Without blood donors I would not be here so I guess I kind of owe it to society to donate some of the red stuff!

Hopefully all this goodness will boost my karma and let me win a ton at the tables! If not, at least I will probably feel better about myself!

As always, thanks for reading and best of luck at the tables!