What goes into running a charity poker event? We find out when we sit down with Joel Sopp, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Regina Early Learning Centre. Joel has one successful Small Hands, ‘Big Dreams Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament’ under his belt and he is gearing up for the second annual event this November, 29 2009 at Casino Regina.

Can you tell me a little about the Regina Early Learning Centre and your role within it?

Joel: The Regina Early Learning Centre is a child and family development centre working with low income families to provide pre-school programs for disadvantaged children from five years old to pre-natal instructions. I myself have served as Vice President of the Board off Directors for the last 2 years. I’ve also liasoned with a Capital Campaign Committee, which oversaw the implementation of raising $1,500,000 for our pre-school.

How did the idea of a charity poker event as a fundraiser come about?

Joel: Our Board of Directors is made up 100% of Parents of Students, and not all of them are financially blessed. So we were brain storming on how we could financially support the Regina Early Learning Centre and my friend Matt Robertson put me on to Linda Miller-Wenman at Casino Regina’s Charity Poker Department.

How did you come upon Casino Regina as a location for your event?

Joel: Every Thursday Night, Casino Regina hosts a Charity Poker Game for Non-Profit Charities, and it seemed like a great fit. The venue is clean, professional, stylish, and the players last year loved it!

Had you considered the other options like a private function room with hired dealers and rented equipment?

Joel: We had, but the legalities, paperwork, coordination, and man-power seemed to be a bit more than the Board of Directors was able to handle with what we already had on our plate with fundraising.

Were there any restrictions in Canada (or local laws) that you needed to consider as they pertain to hosting a poker tournament for charity?

Joel: Not at all. As long as you are within the guidelines of the Saskatchewan Gaming and Liquour Authority, you’re good to go. Casino Regina takes care of all of the legal issues as long as you have a Non-Profit Status as a Charity.

What is the single biggest issue you faced running a charity poker event?

Joel: Selling tickets would be up there, but I would have to say securing Celebrities for the Tournament. It takes a lot of relationship building, and networking to secure popular people, and to have them commit.

What would you consider the ‘recipe for success’ in hosting a charity poker event?

Joel: Baby Steps. Don’t try to get everything done the 1st week you sell your tickets. Take time to give yourself attainable goals and work towards them a little bit each week, and everything will fall into place.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions Joel, is there anything you would like to add?

Joel: Keep a positive attitude, and at least once in your life, go All In against the odds, or you’ll regret it!