Music for Relief: Linkin Park Poker Tourney

Poker tournaments are an awesome way to raise money for charities and that fact certainly isn't lost on rock band Linkin Park who held another such poker event this year in conjunction with their Music for Relief organization.

A non-profit dedicated to helping victims of disasters, Music for Relief was established by Linkin Park in 2005 and has raised millions over the past decade. The funds have gone to victims of tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, famines, and plagues the world over. Donations to environmental programs in an effort to prevent natural disasters from occurring is also part of the relief effort.

When and Where

This year marked the second annual Music for Relief charity poker tournament and was held on April 19 at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Los Angeles. The entry fee for a seat at the table was $350 and included dinner, an open bar, other games and activities, as well as hobnobbing with members of the Grammy-winning band.

Those who chose not to play poker but still wanted to donate and attend were allowed in the door for $150. Linkin Park was not a featured musical act at the event, as the likes of band members Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, Mike Shinoda, Dave Farrell, Joe Hahn and Chester Bennington were too busy playing poker!

WSOP Main Event winner Jamie Gold was also in attendance and lent his name to the cause. One of the prizes offered was one-on-one poker coaching from the 2006 champ.

Fighting Famine

Over $160,000 was raised from the attendees at the charity poker tournament that included music executives, poker players, philanthropists  and musicians. Ramon Alvarez-Smikle took home the first place prize, showing tremendous poker skills in outplaying the other MRF donors.

Proceeds from this year's poker tournament are earmarked for famine relief in East Africa. It's not too late to donate to the cause. You can do so at the Music for Relief website.