Butch Smith Poker Classic gives $45,000 to charities

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The 11th Annual Butch Smith Poker Classic was the second highest grossing event since the charity tournament began in 2008. A total of $45,285 was raised through the event hosted by Palm Beach Kennel Club Poker Room. Four checks, each in the amount of $11,321.34, were distributed to: Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Florida Chapter (FCSN), The Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative (FFSHC), Quantum House and Rooney’s Golf Foundation, Inc. (RGF).

“What started 10 years ago as an event to benefit Captain Butch Smith, a Firefighter in his battle with cancer, has evolved into a fundraiser that has raised over $399,285 for our non-profit recipients. While Butch passed away 1 January 2017, we will continue to be committed to this incredible mission,” said Tournament Director, Sam Eaton.

The tournament which took place at Palm Beach Kennel Club distributed over $28K in cash and prizes – including 20 seats to No Limit Pub Poker Tour’s (NPPT) No Limit Open. A total of 387 played in the no hold’em event that featured $50 Buy-ins, 20 Re-buys and Add ons. In addition, there were raffles, a silent auction and a moving opening ceremony with the Firefighter’s Pipes & Drums.

The event’s major sponsors included: The Poker Room at Palm Beach Kennel Club, No Limit Pub Poker Tour, IdentiFire Safety, Hall of Fame Players, Citadel of Florida, LLC and Medical Career Academy.