PokerStars has issued a call to action as a multitude of A-list celebrities came together in an online charity poker event designed to raise vital funds for relief efforts during the current global crisis.
‘Stars Call for Action – Powered by PokerStars’ will be hosted at PokerStars and broadcast live on Twitch, Facebook and YouTube. Viewers are invited to join hosts James Hartigan and Lex Veldhuis, as well given the option to donate to the cause via specific buttons on the platform of their choice.
Conceived and brought together by actor Hank Azaria and journalist, author and screenwriter Andy Bellin, the event is set to feature Edward Norton, Brian Koppelman, Amy Schumer, Bryan Cranston, Don Cheadle, Michael Cera, Jon Hamm, Jeff Garlin, David Schwimmer, Eric Bogosian, Jason Alexander, Brad Garrett, Michael Ian Black, Kevin Pollak, Tony Yazbeck, Max Kruse, and many more.
“This event is a great way to combine genuine giving where it’s needed with a way to stay home and yet still connect with people from around the world. A friendly game of poker reminds us how life used to be, which hopefully we get back to soon,” explained Azaria.
“It’s a way for people to interact for a good cause and enjoy themselves at the same time. The response has been really great, and I’ll tell you, when PokerStars stepped up like that, I was actually kind of moved by it. We were hoping they’d put in some money, but to basically finance the whole thing to the tune of a million dollars, is pretty incredible.”
The top placed celebrities will direct their portions of $1m, donated by PokerStars, to a charity of their choosing, with fifty percent of the total donation going directly to Care International on behalf of those playing, as well as all proceeds donated via live stream.
The Stars Group brand is also set to surprise players and fans by giving them the opportunity to play against the stars.
“This event began as a simple conversation between our team, Hank, Andy and the Entertainment Industry Foundation as a way to create positive entertainment and raise support for critical causes during these challenging times,” added Rebecca McAdam Willetts, associate director of public relations at PokerStars.
“We were thrilled that they came to us and have been blown away by the momentum it’s gained. With people increasingly using our products to connect, compete and stay social while safe at home, we are delighted to show how the game we love can be used to bring people together and do good…with the added bonus of surprising some poker fans along the way.”
