Celebrity Charity Poker Showdown: A Night with Jeremy Renner
A Legend Among Stars
Unless you’re Allen Kessler, it’s almost certain that you’ve heard of Jeremy Renner, the much-acclaimed actor renowned for his performances across blockbuster films and television shows. From his iconic portrayal of Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to critically acclaimed roles in films like The Hurt Locker and Wind River, Renner has carved out a significant niche in Hollywood. His presence in franchises like Mission: Impossible and Jason Bourne, coupled with his role in the crime drama series The Mayor of Kingstown, make him a household name.
In an exciting twist this past weekend, Renner assumed a new role – host of a celebrity charity poker event held in Las Vegas.
The Heroes Fore Kids Celebrity Poker Showdown
The event, known as the Heroes Fore Kids Celebrity Poker Showdown, took place in the Venetian’s newly opened poker room. With a $300 buy-in and a guaranteed prize pool of $20,000, the tournament served as a central attraction during a charity weekend that also featured a golf outing and a concert series. Funds raised from this event benefited the RennerVation Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2023, dedicated to supporting disadvantaged youth in northern Nevada.
Though Renner did not participate as a player himself, he was highly visible around the room, interacting with participants, taking photographs, and significantly promoting the cause led by his sister, Kym Renner, who runs the foundation.
Celebrities at the Poker Table
Among the notable personalities at the event were actor Richard Kind, known for roles in Inside Out, A Bug’s Life, and Argo, and poker commentator and personality Joey Ingram. Another exciting participant was Connor Woodland, who made his appearance after winning a seat at a prior tournament through the PokerNews Podcast Meet-Up Game (MUG) at Resorts World Las Vegas.
Woodland and Ingram both reached the final table of the tournament, with the latter finishing in ninth place for a $1,000 cash prize plus entry into a $200 Milestone Satellite. Woodland performed even better, ultimately finishing in sixth place after an intense competition involving a flip and pocket aces, securing the same cash prize along with a special bottle of bourbon.
Final Table Results
The tournament wrapped up with a three-way deal among the final players, where they each earned over $4,300 along with an exclusive Ritmo Mundo Watch. Here’s a summary of the final table results:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Russell | $4,334* + Ritmo Mundo Watch |
| 2 | Margaret Zampino | $4,333* + Ritmo Mundo Watch |
| 3 | Adam Stone | $4,333* + Ritmo Mundo Watch |
| 4 | Michael Byerly | $2,000 + $200 Milestone Satellite |
| 5 | Jay Park | $1,000 + $200 Milestone Satellite |
| 6 | Connor Woodland | $1,000 + $200 Milestone Satellite |
| 7 | Kyle Kemp | $1,000 + $200 Milestone Satellite |
| 8 | Kathleen Bohnsack | $1,000 + $200 Milestone Satellite |
| 9 | Joey Ingram | $1,000 + $200 Milestone Satellite |
- Denotes three-handed deal.
The overall success of the RennerVation Foundation’s inaugural charity poker tournament sets a positive precedent for future events. There’s already speculation about returning events, suggesting that more poker enthusiasts will jump at the chance to play and potentially meet Renner again.
About the RennerVation Foundation
Founded following a personal tragedy—a near-fatal car accident in January 2023—Jeremy Renner launched the RennerVation Foundation. The organization’s mission is to create an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
In Renner’s words, “The programs and services that the RennerVation Foundation provides give children a chance to embrace a childhood filled with joy, growth, and belonging.”
For more information on the vital work being done by the RennerVation Foundation, visit their official website at rennervationfoundation.org.
Conclusion
The Heroes Fore Kids Celebrity Poker Showdown proved to be a spectacular blend of celebrity charisma and philanthropic spirit, successfully bringing together a community around a worthy cause. Everyone who participated left with not only a deeper appreciation for poker but also a sense of unity and purpose for the youth of northern Nevada. With Jeremy Renner leading the charge, the foundation is sure to make waves and create meaningful impact in the lives of many children.
Author: Chad Holloway
Position: PR & Media Manager
Bio: Chad is the PR & Media Manager at PokerNews, a podcast host, and a proud winner of a World Series of Poker bracelet in 2013.
