EO Utah Hosts Celebrity Poker Tournament at Sundance Film Festival
Park City, UT — Jan. 31, 2014 – Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Utah raised nearly $50,000 for the Paul Walker non-profit, Reach Out WorldWide, at the 2nd annual EO Utah Sundance Experience. The event was in memory of Paul Walker who was an actor and founder of Reach Out WorldWide, a network of professionals with first responder skill-sets who augment local expertise when natural disasters strike in order to accelerate relief efforts. Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari, a professional poker player known for his intricate chip tricks hosted the Black Diamond at Sundance Celebrity Poker Tournament.
Actors Jeremiah Bitsui from Breaking Bad and Kevin Pollak of Mom attended the invite-only event with 75 local and global EO member companies and their guests. The $2,000 per player event was held January 21 at Empire Canyon Lodge in Deer Valley. Dan Davenport, president and owner of Mountainland Design attended as a guest and won the tournament.
“Each year EO Utah chooses a non-profit to support during Sundance. Last year, we contributed to The Mali Rising Foundation and this year we raised money for an organization that helps with disaster relief both here in the United States and abroad,” said Dave Nicolson, EO Utah Education Chair. “It was a fun evening and we look forward to continuing the tradition of giving back during the Sundance Film Festival.”
The tournament was organized by Nicolson and Jade Phoenix www.jadephoenixcorp.com, a volunteer community organization dedicated to providing services and volunteer corps to non-profit organizations who support charitable causes, as well as cultivating the spirit of volunteerism. The music group The Tea Street Band made a surprise performance at the event and saxophonist Alto Reed also performed. Internationally renowned artist Josée Nadeau www.joseenadeau.com painted Reed in six minutes during his live performance.
The Black Diamond at Sundance Celebrity Poker Tournament was part of the four day EO Utah Sundance Experience event, which was organized in large part by By Invitation Only founder Justin Kinnaird, who passed away unexpectedly Sunday. In addition, the event included five VIP screenings, film panels and workshops with the goal of connecting entrepreneurs.
“You get to meet with other business owners locally and around the world. Business relationships are created from events like this,” said Ron Nielson, EO Forum Chair. “There’s no question relationships are formed and business is done.”
EO Utah Chapter members connect with each other locally on a monthly basis in forums that bring together a group of eight to 12 entrepreneurs for peer-to-peer learning, business networking and support. EO Utah also hosts a variety of lunch and learns, power breakfasts, socials and family events throughout the year.
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About the Entrepreneurs’ Organization: The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) – for entrepreneurs only – is a dynamic, global network of more than 9,500 business owners in 40 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. There are 80 members in Utah. For more information go to eoaccess.eonetwork.org/utah
Contact Information
Shaun Ritchie
President, EO Utah
(801) 641-8131
shaun@neutroninteractive.com
Julie Jakob
Incoming President, EO Utah
(801) 712-0665
Julie@jakobmp.com
