Poker Celebrity Gavin Griffin Makes an Unexpected Appearance at "All In for the Kids" Fundraiser for the Los Angeles Youth Network

Poker Celebrity Gavin Griffin Makes an Unexpected Appearance at "All In for the Kids" Fundraiser for the Los Angeles Youth Network

On Saturday evening, March 22, 2008, the Normandie Casino in Gardena, CA hosted "All In for the Kids," a poker tournament fundraiser for the Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN).

LAYN gives shelter to homeless youth ages 12 to 17 - many of them runaways, offering in-house and referral services that results in more than 80% of the youth who exit the program live successfully with their families, in foster or group home placements, or independently. and nearly 90% of the kids who are in this group of success stories remain in stable settings, making LAYN a phenomenal success story in its own right.

Just over 60 players bought into the tournament for the $40 entry fee, and many of them exercised their option to continue playing with multiple re-buys at $20 each. All for a good cause!

During the evening, LAYN held a 50/50 cash raffle won by LAYN Board Member Lisa "I NEVER win anything!" Newell, who generously donated all of her winnings back to the organization.

Executive Host & Poker Room Manager Robert "Chipburner" Turner was the driving force on the Normandie Casino staff behind this successful event, which provided food and entertainment.

Los Angeles Youth Network Development Director Ryanne Plaisance and Development Coordinator Teissia Treynet (both relatively good poker players in their own right) graced the tournament table, sharing stories of the youth that LAYN has served while doing their best to take down their opponents.

The highlight of this event for many of the attendees was the unexpected participation of Gavin Griffin and Kristen Roberts, Gavin's lovely significant other. After talking with Gavin and Kristen, it's evident that they are truly genuine people who share a wonderful relationship.

At the ripe young age of 26 Gavin Griffin is the only professional poker player to have won tournaments at the World Series of Poker (2004 WSOP $3,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em), the European Poker Tour (EPT Season 3 Monte Carlo Grand Final) and the World Poker Tour (WPT Season 6 Borgata Poker Classic). Yet Gavin remains a down-to-earth, humble young man, seemingly unaffected as of yet by his newfound fame and fortune. His willingness to attend this small fundraising event at Lisa Newell's invitation is evidence of his humanity and his generosity.

All in all, the event was a great success, and everyone in attendance had lots of fun.

Most importantly, this was another opportunity for the poker community to give evidence of the generosity of many of its members, who have hearts and minds that are motivated by more than just winning at the tables.

Robert Turner, the International Poker Institute and the staff at LAYN are planning future poker tournament and poker education fundraisers, including a possible fundraising cruise in 2009. Check in at www.InsidePokerCentral.com for updates.

For those of you who didn't attend "All In for the Kids," please consider making a donation in support of the Los Angeles Youth Network. Visit their Web site at www.LAYN.org, and here is their contact information:

For young people in a desperate situation:
California Youth Crisis Line
1-800-843-5200

For all other inquires and to make a donation:
Los Angeles Youth Network
1550 N. Gower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Voice: (323) 957-7364
Fax: (323) 464-4357

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All contents of this article and photos International Copyright 2008 Jay Aaron. All International Rights Reserved. Please contact: info [at] InsidePokerCentral [dot] com for reprint permission.