The Derby Poker Tourney Was a Star-studded Evening
Kicking Off the Kentucky Derby Weekend
This was the official website for the Derby Poker Tourney held at the Louisville Palace. The tourney, kicking off the beginning of the festive Kentucky Derby weekend was a star-studded evening combining high-stakes poker and celebrity hobnobbing all in the name of charity.
Content is from the site's 2010 - 2011 archived pages as well as from other sources.
Take a nostalgic trip back....
PPA sponsors Derby Poker Tourney in Kentucky, U S and A
BY Becky Liggero ON April 30, 2010 / calvinayre.com
For the second consecutive year, The Louisville Palace will be transformed into the hottest poker room and celebrity welcome party in the city to kick off the weekend of Derby festivities.
Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum and poker professionals Phil Hellmuth, Jr. and Robert Williamson III will once again team up for their annual Derby Poker Championship, a pro-celebrity charity event held Thursday, May 5th at The Louisville Palace Theatre.
The star-studded evening will be a combination of high-stakes poker and celebrity hob-knobbing at the historic entertainment facility all in the name of charity. Proceeds from the event directly benefit Louisville-based, Blessings in a Backpack and The Health & Climate Foundation.
The evening will feature a celebrity Texas Hold ‘em Tournament that will be emceed by Hellmuth who is considered to be the best poker player in the world with 11 World Series of Poker victories.
In addition, Denny Crum, Robert Williamson III, also a World Series of poker champion, and an array of other poker pros and celebrities will play in the tournament and mingle with the crowd. “The chances of playing football with Peyton Manning, or basketball with Michael Jordan are pretty slim.” Commented event producer, G. Douglas Dreisbach. “However, at the Derby Poker Championship, you might find yourself playing cards with some of the best poker players in the world as well as some big time celebrities.”
In addition to the poker tournament, the event will also feature themed food and drink stations, music, live performance artists showcasing their skills and other Derby-esque entertainment. “We cater to everyone, poker players, party goers and companies entertaining clients all while raising funds and awareness for our beneficiary charities.” Added Dreisbach. “We will have drink stations set up representing Kentucky bourbon, tequila and other spirits as well as wine tasting from some premier wine producers. In addition, each station will be accompanied by food that reflects each theme. Add to the mix some music and world-class artists, and you have a great party to kick off Derby!”
The 2010 event drew 110 players in the tournament and approximately 200 spectators raising almost $50,000 that was split between the two beneficiary charities.
It was a star-studded evening with limousines lining the street in front of the Palace Theatre as onlookers took pictures and tried to get a glimpse of the celebrities on the red carpet.
In addition to the all-star hosts of the event, other celebrities and poker pros who played in the tournament or attended the event included comedian Ron White, best-selling author Nora Roberts, poker pros Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, Tiffany Michelle and Beth Shak, actors Oscar Nunez (The Office), Jesse Spencer(House) and Ken Davitian (Borat), actress Jennifer Elise Cox (The Brady Bunch) and athletes including U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin, Paul Hornung, Warren Moon,Robby Albarado and more.
The top ten players won money including the first place prize of $14,000 plus a $12,000 World Series of Poker Package donated by UltiamteBet.net. In addition to cash, the top ten also walked away with a pair of Oakley sunglasses and the top two finishers also received a poker chip set that was donated by FullTilt.net. The grand champion of the 2010 tournament was Rich Muny who is also the Kentucky State Director for the Poker Player’s Alliance.
“We expect an even bigger turnout this year since last year was such a success” Added Dreisbach. “We have received several calls from celebrity managers who are interested in attending as well as companies looking to entertain their clients. This year, we hope to raise the bar in fund raising as well as building awareness for these great charities. Plus, we look forward to hosting a great party that guests will talk about all weekend long.”
The event is open to the public and doors will open at 6:00 pm with the tournament starting at 7:00 pm.
Ticket prices range from $75 - $225 based on different packages and the buy-in for the Texas Hold ‘em Tournament is $500 +$50 with $200 re-buys and add-ons for the first hour of play.
KEEP THE PARTY GOING
with the Official Jim Beam Derby Poker After Party!
@ Improv @ 4th Street Live! Hang with the poker pros and celebs! If you have a wristband from Derby Poker, you will get into the party for free!
-DON'T MISS YOUR SHOT-
At a $10,000 buy-in to the World Series of Poker!
Go All-in for The Kids & The Climate
A Celebrity Texas Hold’em Tournament benefitting:
Blessings in a Backpack
&
Health and Climate Foundation
If you have ever wanted to rub shoulders with the stars or play cards with the world’s best poker players…NOW is your chance!
Join us at the historic Palace Theatre (located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky) for an evening of cocktails, appetizers and POKER! All in the name of charity! In addition to cash prizes for the top finishers, 1st place will also receive a $10,000 buy-in (Plus $2,000 for travel) to the World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas...courtesy of Ultimatebet.com.
Phil Hellmuth, Denny Crum & Robert Williamson III’s Derby Poker Championship is an annual Texas Hold’em poker tournament held the week of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky that benefits local and international charities. The beneficiary charities for this year’s event are Blessing in a Backpack and the Health & Climate Foundation.
This is THE event you won’t want to miss! It is the perfect way to kick-off your weekend of parties, racing and the traditional Kentucky Derby festivities!
| When: |
Thursday, April 29, 2010 6:30 pm – Cocktails, Appetizers and Event Registration 7:30 pm – Shuffle-Up & Deal |
|
| Where: |
The Palace Theatre – Downtown Louisville, Kentucky |
~~~~~~~~~
Related:
This was the second year the Louisville Palace will be transformed into the hottest poker room to kick off the weekend of Derby festivities. And it was just as much fun this year as last year. You had to be there to really appreciate the experience. Phil Hellmuth was my hero back then and is still my hero in 2019. In 2018, Hellmuth won his 15th World Series of Poker bracelet in the $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em event, earning $485,082. Amazing. The guy is just an extraordinary player. In 2011 when he emceed the celebrity Texas Hold 'em Tournament during Derby Week I actually got a selfie with him. Lots of good memories of 2011. Jump to 2019, I have been transitioning my professional focus towards modernizing legacy software systems. One significant challenge I've been tackling is finding a robust alternative to FoxPro, a database management system that's no longer supported by Microsoft. Our organization has been using a critical FoxPro application for years, and with the end of its official support, we needed to develop a strategic migration plan. After extensive research and evaluation, we've been exploring modern database solutions that can replicate our existing application's functionality while providing enhanced performance and scalability. My goal is to complete the full database migration within the next six months. It's been a complex process of mapping existing data structures, redesigning user interfaces, and ensuring minimal disruption to our current workflows. Bummer about the technical challenges, but I'm looking forward to the Kentucky Derby Festival Tech Symposium in 2020. Hope it's still at the Belle of Cincinnati, docked at Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. It's going to be another great opportunity to network and share migration strategies.
~~~~~~~~~
Tournament Hosts
Kick Derby off in-Style! The Derby Poker Championship Celebrity Gala is one of the hottest parties of the weekend and you can be part of it! Whether you are coming to play poker with the celebrities and pros, or mix and mingle on the dancefloor, this is THE event you won’t want to miss.
Plus...a portion of every party ticket and tournament buy-in directly benefits Blessings in a Backpack and Susan G. Komen for the Cure/Louisville.
*15% discount for groups of 8 or more.
Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil Hellmuth, Jr. is the greatest player to ever play the game, winning an unprecedented 13 world championships at the World Series of Poker, including his latest wins in July 2012 and October 2012, when he won the coveted WSOP Europe title in Cannes, France. Hellmuth holds the record for both most cash finishes at the WSOP (95) and most WSOP final tables (49) and his 'live' tournament winnings exceed $17,400,000. Hellmuth has always been more than generous in his philanthropic endeavors and is a co-founder of the Derby Poker Championship.
Denny Crum
Denny Crum is a living legend in Louisville, Kentucky and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Serving as the head basketball coach for the University of Louisville from 1971 t0 2001, Crum continues to use his stardom for philanthropic endeavors and to better the causes that are important to him.
Robert Williamson III (Poker Pro)
Robert Williamson III is known for his stellar play at Omaha Hi-Lo earning him the nickname “Mr. Omaha”. From commentating televised poker tournaments to playing charitable events world-wide, Williamson has taken the world by storm with his fun-loving spirit and eccentric personality, making him a poker favorite. Williamson III is a WSOP bracelet winner, with tournament winnings exceeding $1.8 million.
Celebrities & Pros
Thank you for your interest in this year’s Oaks Eve Celebrity Derby Poker Championship presented by Jim Beam and Bluff Magazine! We are excited about another great event to benefit Kentucky Harvest: Blessings in a Backpack!
Below is a list of some of the celebrities who will be playing in or attending this year’s event. There will be more who show up so be sure to get your tickets today!
The Derby Poker Championship is a must-attend event that kicks-off the weekend of Derby festivities. In addition to a great party, you will mingle with celebrities and poker professionals who are all in Louisville for the Kentucky Derby.
As we confirm celebrities and professional poker players, we will add them to this page so be sure to check back often!
The following celebrities and poker pro’s played in or attended the 2011 Derby Poker Championship.
|
|
Charities
Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and commitment to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer.
Though Susan lost her battle with the disease, her legacy lives on through the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the organization Nancy started in her honor. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1.9 billion since its inception in 1982. Komen’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.
Across the country, that promise is upheld by a network of 121 local Affiliate offices. At the heart of each Affiliate is a person or group of people who, like Susan, wanted to make a difference.
Susan G. Komen Foundation - Louisville
2301 Hurstbourne Village Drive, Suite 700
Louisville, Kentucky 40299
502-495-7824
KomenLouisville.org
Go All-in for the Kids!
Hunger doesn’t take weekends off.
The 2013 Derby Poker event will benefit Blessings in a Backpack, a program dedicated to feeding underprivileged children on the weekends throughout the school year.The nationwide organization currently provides food to almost 51,000 children at 360 U.S. public schools in 36 states who qualify for the free or reduced meal program and who may not have enough food on the weekends. Following a donation, a school is chosen and a local grocer partners with the program to provide food for the backpacks. Every Friday, students receive their backpacks with staples that require little to no preparation and they return their backpacks on Monday ready to learn.
Today, 12.4 million American children - one in six - are food insecure and one in five kids under the age of five have unmet nutritional needs. Without proper nutrition, it makes it difficult for the kids to learn, pay attention and behave properly. The intention of Blessings in a Backpack is to make a difference in their lives by providing the support they need.
It costs $80 to feed one child for an entire school year under the program. With your support of the Derby Poker Championship and Party, we feel we can make significant strides in helping out even more kids.
Blessings in a Backpack
4121 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, Kentucky 40207
1-800-872-4366
blessingsinabackpack.org
Contact
The Derby Poker Championship strives to raise support and awareness for our dedicated charities. In efforts to achieve these goals, we will build a special package for your company that will cater to your budget and show your support of these important causes.
For more information on how to get involved with the 2010 Derby Poker Championship Contact
Event Tickets and Tournament Buy-ins: 1-800-872-4366 Ext. 103 or
Group Sales, Client Hospitality, Sponsorship's Donations, Group Sales and Media Inquiries: G. Douglas Dreisbach 502.777.3711 ddreisbach@southerngaming.com
Blessings in a Backpack: 1-800-872-4366 Ext. 103 or BlessingsinaBackpack.org
Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Louisville: 502-495-7824 or KomenLouisville.org
Sponsors
We want to thank all of our sponsors and partners that make this event possible. Please show them your support by using their services.
Win Sponsors
Twinspires.com & Bluff Magazine
Jim Beam
Southern Gaming and Destinations
Place Sponsors
HogWildPokerLeagues.com
Sysco
Oakley
Supporting Sponsors
The Olmsted at The Masonic Homes
Bisig Impact Group
The Louisville Poker Tour
USA Image
Ashton Adveritsing
Ernie’s Print Shop
Unbridled Eve Gala
York Management
The Olmsted
Millennium Events
More Background on DerbyPokerChampionship.com
DerbyPokerChampionship.com serves as the central hub for one of Louisville’s most anticipated and unique annual events: the Derby Poker Championship. Tied closely to the high-energy festivities surrounding the Kentucky Derby, the event blends celebrity culture, professional poker, philanthropy, and local pride into an occasion that draws participants and spectators from across the country. This comprehensive overview covers the event’s origins, structure, cultural significance, key figures, media presence, charitable impact, and more, designed to fully familiarize readers with every critical aspect of this renowned poker championship.
Origins and History
Founding and Development
-
Launched in the late 2000s, the Derby Poker Championship quickly grew from a regional charity tournament to a nationally recognized event, thanks in part to the Kentucky Derby’s global prominence and Louisville’s vibrant social scene.
-
The original concept was to create a pro-celebrity charity event that would serve as an entertaining and glamorous kickoff to Derby weekend, while raising money for local and national charities.
Ownership and Organizers
-
Managed by Southern Gaming and Destinations, a Louisville-based event management company specializing in hospitality and entertainment experiences.
-
G. Douglas Dreisbach, event producer and general manager of Southern Gaming, is a key figure, overseeing planning, partnerships, and public relations.
-
The event has been strongly supported by media outlets such as Gaming and Destinations Magazine.
Location and Setting
| Year | Venue | Location | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years | Louisville Palace Theatre | Downtown Louisville | Historic architecture, close to Derby festivities |
| Recent Years | The Olmsted | Frankfort Ave, Louisville | Prestigious, modern venue with upscale amenities |
The event is traditionally held in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, either at the Louisville Palace Theatre or The Olmsted, both offering proximity to the heart of the Kentucky Derby celebrations and providing elegant, spacious venues ideal for high-profile charity poker tournaments.
Event Format and Audience
The Derby Poker Championship centers on a high-stakes Texas Hold’em tournament that welcomes both celebrity and public participants. Key details include:
-
Buy-in: $500 + $50 with $200 re-buys during the first hour.
-
Tournament rules: Standard Texas Hold’em with adherence to Las Vegas casino tournament standards.
-
Participants: Professional poker players, celebrities, business leaders, and poker aficionados.
-
Audience: A mix of local Louisville residents, charity supporters, business professionals, and Kentucky Derby visitors seeking unique, high-energy entertainment.
Event Timeline (Sample)
-
Doors open at 6:00 or 6:30 PM for cocktails, appetizers, and registration.
-
Tournament kick-off (“shuffle-up and deal”) around 7:00 or 7:30 PM.
-
Late entries accepted for the first hour.
-
Concurrent live entertainment, food and drink stations, and social interaction.
Charitable Impact and Goals
The event’s core mission is philanthropy. Over the years, it has raised substantial funds for numerous charities with a focus on:
-
Blessings in a Backpack
-
Health & Climate Foundation
-
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
-
Thoroughbred Charities of America
The Derby Poker Championship seeks to harness the excitement of poker and celebrity appeal to promote awareness and financial support for these causes, making a significant social impact in Louisville and beyond.
Media and Public Reception
The event consistently attracts media attention from local outlets and specialty gaming publications, featuring stories on celebrity participants, philanthropic achievements, and event highlights.
Public reviews emphasize:
-
The unique fusion of competition, charity, and celebrity interaction.
-
Exceptional organization and venue ambiance.
-
High-profile guest lists and networking opportunities.
-
Contribution to Louisville’s vibrant social calendar during Derby week.
Cultural and Social Significance
By intertwining poker—a game long associated with skill, strategy, and high-stakes entertainment—with Louisville’s storied Derby tradition, the Derby Poker Championship occupies a distinct cultural niche. It offers:
-
A charitable platform during one of Kentucky’s most celebrated annual events.
-
A bridge between sports entertainment, gambling interests, and social philanthropy.
-
Opportunities for community engagement and ongoing support for local and national causes.
DerbyPokerChampionship.com and its associated event represent a notable blend of entertainment, charity, and cultural festivity. Growing steadily in scope and renown since its inception, it continues to energize Louisville’s Derby weekend with excitement, camaraderie, and generosity. Whether you are a poker enthusiast, a charity supporter, or simply intrigued by Louisville’s rich event scene, the Derby Poker Championship offers an engaging and impactful experience.
