During the 2003 World Series of Poker, poker players Phil Gordon and Rafe Furst started a drive to help fund cancer research and prevention -- by playing poker. They asked their friends in the poker community to pledge just one percent of their winnings at the WSOP Championship Event to the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation as a tax-deductible donation. The idea caught on, and before they knew it, over 80 players - amateurs and pros alike - helped to raise enough to fund a grant for promising research for an entire year.

Since that first event, the Bad Beat on Cancer initiative has grown to include other major poker tournaments, home games, leagues, and has inspired some players to even pledge for life. Amateurs and pros alike have participated in Bad Beat on Cancer. We invite people to share their personal stories, inform each other of ways to help prevent cancer and encourage each other to make a difference, no matter how small they think the gesture may be.

For those thinking about pledging, note that this is completely an honor-system thing, nobody is going to be checking up on you. Here are some examples of pledges that you could make:

• 1% of my winnings at my local bar poker league; in honor of my mother, Mary
• 2% of my home game winnings for the year; in support of cancer research
• $20 flat; in memory of my best friend, John
• 1% my poker winnings as a Pledge for Life
• 1% of my World Series of Poker Main Event winnings (still trying to win my way in!)

Q: How do I get one of those nifty 1% pledge pins?
A: First make your pledge on the Profile page, then send your mailing address to badbeat@preventcancer.org to request your free pin.

Q: What percentage of the money raised from "Bad Beat on Cancer" goes to CRPF?
A: 100%. There is no administrative fee or overhead taken from this initiative.

Q: Why is the Cancer Research & Prevention Foundation the beneficiary of Bad Beat?
A: Cancer affects every family in some way and CRPF is an extremely well-regarded, fiscally responsible organization dedicated to preventing this deadly disease.

Q: How do I know my money is going to a good cause?
A: We encourage you to become convinced by checking out the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation web site.

Q: What if I want to pledge an amount other than 1%?
A: CRPF is grateful for any contributions no matter the amount. Some players have pledged more than 1%, and others have pledged a specific dollar amount. Simply indicate your desired percentage or dollar amount when you pledge.

I am trying to help get people to register for a 'Walk for the Cure'
tournament being held on FT May 10th. If you have time, or know
anyone who might be interested in playing, it is open to all, and the more
the merrier is greatly appreciated.

The password is 'cure', and here is a link to the info on our site.

http://ieatpoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=1347.0