Controversial poker pro Sorel Mizzi has set up a new charity with the aim of combating poverty. Poker Players Against Poverty was set up late last week by the current Bluff Magazine Player of the Year and he will be looking to other players for help in the fight against poverty. The release read thus:
The Poker Players Against Poverty (PPAP) program will be a collective of current and rising stars in the poker community to support our fight against poverty. This support will be shown through financial support (i.e. 2% of a player’s annual tournament winnings or an initial contribution), spreading awareness, and participating in one service event each year. Currently, we are looking to put together a Steering Committee of 6-10 of the top, up and coming poker players that represent the programs values and who will help drive the program. PPAP will not only serve as an excellent positive outlet for young, up and coming players but will allow these players to leave a legacy for themselves outside of the poker world through positive press, promotion, and goodwill.
A Good Idea and Poker Players Against Poverty have been named a 2011 recipient and partner of Poker Gives. The Poker Gives mission is to provide financial and humanitarian aid to mainstream charities through support from poker players and the poker industry.
Mizzi has in the past been accused of cheating and even earned a lengthy ban from Full Tilt Poker. Mizzi, along with fellow steering committee member Joe Sebok, will be pledging 2% of their annual tournament winnings to the new initiative. Mizzi has also donated a lump sum of $10,000. He added, “I will be placing equal priority on progressing as a poker player and giving back to my community. As a young poker player with a talent that brings me financial abundance, I feel it’s my responsibility to give back to people in need who are hurting financially.”
Mizzi will be hopeful that this initiative is as successful as the Calvin Ayre Foundation that continues to help those well off in many parts of the world.
