All-Star Jockeys’ poker
tournament to benefit Simunye Project, PDJF
Jockeys and humanitarians will come together Sunday, October 12, to benefit
both The Simunye
Project of South Africa and the
Permanently Disabled Jockeys’
Fund. Former jockey Shane Sellers and Bridget Parker of Parker View Farm are
hosting the Second Annual All-Star Jockeys’ No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Poker
Tournament at The Red Mile
Clubhouse in Lexington, Kentucky.
Simunye is an impoverished area in the KwaZulu-Natal province in west South
Africa. The Simunye Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization
Bridget Parker established in 1986 after several visits to the region indicated
critical need for improved living conditions and humanitarian aid. It was
Parker’s professional association with Shane Sellers and his support for the
PDJF which helped link these two great causes.
Among the jockeys scheduled to appear are: Robby Albarado, Calvin Borel, Jean
Cruguet, Julien Leparoux, Rosie Napravnik, and many others from the Keeneland
jockey colony. Tickets for the event (including buffet dinner, entertainment and
live and silent auctions) are $65 per person.
There is a $250 buy-in to play poker; spaces limited to 125 players. Both
event and poker tickets are available at www.pdjf.org.
Registration for poker begins at 5 p.m. (EDT), dinner begins at 6 p.m., and
tournament play begins at 7 p.m. Chicago-based entertainer Vito Zatto brings his
hilarious Las Vegas-style comedy, impersonations, and stand-up routines to the
event.
“‘Simunye’ is a Zulu word meaning ‘we are one,’ and by hosting this event we
want to bring together many people for two causes that are about hope and help
for disadvantaged people in two separate areas of the world,” said Parker, whose
Parker View Farm near Lexington has been at the forefront of the Saddlebred
industry for 35 years.
A life-long horsewoman, Parker has been active in numerous projects that
support underprivileged and minority children both in the United States and
internationally.
“Last year’s event raised over $50,000,” Sellers said. “That enabled us to
build a community center in the area, organize food banks, and continue our work
in individual and community outreach, education and HIV/AIDS awareness.”
“I think that everybody has a responsibility in their life to do whatever
they can to alleviate suffering wherever it occurs.”
The Red Mile harness track is located at 1200 Red Mile Road in Lexington.
Sponsorship opportunities are available; please contact Parker at (859) 873-4394
or Nancy LaSala at (630) 595-7660.
The PDJF is a 501(c)(3) charity that provides financial assistance to former
jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Founded in 2006, PDJF
has dispersed more than $5 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom
have sustained paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. The Fund is a cooperative
effort among race tracks, jockeys, horsemen, and enthusiasts. Visit www.pdjf.org for
further information.
A short video on The Simunye Project, including Parker’s and Sellers’
involvement, may be viewed at this
link.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com