Exclusive Invitation

2nd ANNUAL E4L POKER FUNDRAISING

PLAY IT FORWARD POKER FUNDRAISING

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Play It Forward Poker Fundraising Event, where we unite for a powerful cause: empowering student-athletes through transformative education

The Cause

At the heart of our mission is a simple belief: education changes lives, and every student deserves access to it.

The Play It Forward Initiative was created with a clear purpose: to support school programs that have the power to make a life-changing impact on a child’s future.

This year, we are proud to support the football program at JSerra Catholic High School by enhancing the resources student-athletes need to succeed both on and off the field.

Through your support, we aim to:

Ensure access to proper meals and recovery resources Aka: Provide enhanced nutrition programs «Every week, parents step up to help keep the school fridge filled for the players. With the support of this fundraiser, we will take that burden off families and ensure student-athletes always have access to the nutrition they need to perform and recover.

And Invest in technology and training equipment « We will purchase the Catapult Sports performance tracking system, a wearable technology used by top high school, college, and professional teams.

Catapult tracks player movement, speed, workload, and recovery in real time, helping coaches train smarter, reduce injuries, and maximize performance. For our student-athletes, it means safer training, better development, and a higher level of competition.

Help offset tuition costs for families in need. Support transportation and daily logistics. Strengthen resources available to coaches and staff.

These efforts create an environment where young athletes can develop academically, compete at a high level, and build a strong future.

Your participation in this event directly contributes to meaningful opportunities for these students making a lasting and tangible impact.

Poker for a
Purpose

Wednesday
June 17th 2026
5:00pm to 10:00pm
Marbella Country Club

Goal To Raise $150,000

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with delicious food, gourmet appetizers, an unlimited premium bar, and the chance to connect with sports celebrities all hosted by a dynamic duo of JSerra 

Buy In

$2,000 with $1,000 rebuy


Duration

A 4-hour Poker
Tournament

Tables

30 Players
Invitation Only

Exclusive Invitation

2ND ANNUAL E4L POKER FUNDRAISING

PLAY IT FORWARD POKER FUNDRAISING

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Play It Forward Poker Fundraising Event, where we unite for a powerful cause: empowering student-athletes through transformative education.

The Cause

At the heart of our mission is a simple belief: education changes lives, and every student deserves access to it.

The Play It Forward Initiative was created with a clear purpose: to support school programs that have the power to make a life-changing impact on a child’s future. This year, we are proud to support the football program at JSerra Catholic High School by enhancing the resources student-athletes need to succeed both on and off the field.

Through your support, we aim to:

Ensure access to proper meals and recovery resources.

Aka: Provide enhanced nutrition programs. Every week, parents step up to help keep the school fridge filled for the players. With the support of this fundraiser, we will take that burden off families and ensure student-athletes always have access to the nutrition they need to perform and recover.

And Invest in technology and training equipment. We will purchase the Catapult Sports performance tracking system, a wearable technology used by top high school, college, and professional teams.

Catapult tracks player movement, speed, workload, and recovery in real time, helping coaches train smarter, reduce injuries, and maximize performance. For our student-athletes, it means safer training, better development, and a higher level of competition.

Help offset tuition costs for families in need.

Support transportation and daily logistics.

Strengthen resources available to coaches and staff.

These efforts create an environment where young athletes can develop academically, compete at a high level, and build a strong future.

Your participation in this event directly contributes to meaningful opportunities for these students making a lasting and tangible impact.

Poker for a
Purpose

Wednesday June 17th 2026
5:00pm to 10:00pm 
Marbella Country Club

Goal To Raise $150,000

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with delicious food, gourmet appetizers, an unlimited premium bar, and the chance to connect with sports celebrities all hosted by a dynamic duo of JSerra

Buy In

$2,000 with $1,000 rebuy


Duration

A 4-hour Poker
Tournament

Tables

30 Players
Invitation Only

Celebrity Presence

We are honored to welcome former NFL players, legends, and celebrity guests expected to attend throughout the event, including:

NFL Hall of Famer Rod Woodson standing on the field with his hands on his hips, wearing his black and yellow Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.

Rod Woodson

NFL Hall of Famer and one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history, with a legendary 17-year career.

NFL legend Hardy Nickerson Sr. flexing on the field in his classic orange and white Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform.

Hardy Nickerson

NFL legend and 5-time Pro Bowl linebacker who played 16 seasons with Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, and Green Bay.

Graphic featuring Mel Owens, showing his current appearance on The Golden Bachelor on the left and a vintage photo from his time with the Rams on the right.

Mel Owens

NFL legend and 5-time Pro Bowl linebacker who played 16 seasons with Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, and Green Bay.

Former NFL player Austin Pettis running with the football in his blue and yellow Rams uniform.

Austin Pettis

WR, played at Boise State Broncos football and spent 5 years in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams and San Diego Chargers.

NFL linebacker Hardy Nickerson Jr. running during a game in his white, black, and orange Cincinnati Bengals uniform.

Hardy Nickerson Jr.

LB, played at California Golden Bears football and spent 5 years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Houston Texans.

Former NFL safety Chris Conte entering the field surrounded by flames, wearing his red Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform.

Chris Conte

Former NFL safety with Chicago and Tampa Bay, and standout player from University of California, Berkeley.

Former NFL tight end John Allred focused on the field, wearing his black and yellow Pittsburgh Steelers helmet and uniform.

John Allred

Played in the NFL from 1997–2002 and attended University of Southern California.

Former NFL player and coach Pat Harlow shouting instructions from the sideline while wearing a JSerra visor.

Pat Harlow

Eight-year NFL veteran with New England and Oakland.

NFL tight end Richard Rodgers showing intensity on the field in his green and yellow Green Bay Packers uniform.

Richard Rodgers

Played eight NFL seasons with Green Bay, Philadelphia, Washington, and Los Angeles.

Former MLB center fielder Aaron Rowand swinging a wooden bat during a game, wearing his white pinstriped Chicago White Sox uniform and batting helmet.

Aaron Rowand

Former Major League Baseball center fielder. He played for the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Francisco Giants from 2001–2011

Hosted by

Brandon Gabriel smiling on a golf course wearing a dark patterned polo shirt and a light blue MUNI hat.

Brandon Gabriel 

Brandon Gabriel smiling on a golf course wearing a dark patterned polo shirt and a light blue MUNI hat.

Brandon Gabriel 

Professional headshot of Tim Ristoff, Chairman of the Play It Forward Initiative, smiling in a blue suit jacket and light blue shirt.

Tim Ristoff

Chairman

Exclusive Experiences, Luxury Prizes & VIP Access

Luxury Hawaii Getaway

Estimated Value: $6,000+

Enjoy a 3-night luxury stay at the world-renowned Four Seasons Resort Lana’i in Hawaii, including:

  • Resort View Guestroom
  • Daily breakfast for two at
  • Osteria Mozza
  • One of Hawaii’s top-ranked luxury golf destinations

Exclusive Jewelry Experience

Estimated Value: $10,000

Luxury jewelry of your choice from participating partners

Elite Football Training Experience

Estimated Value: $6,000+

Private 4-hour QB and football development experience with renowned quarterback coach Jordan Palmer for up to 25 athletes/adults.

VIP Las Vegas-Style Nightlife Experience

Estimated Value: $5,000+

Private VIP bottle service experiences at The Reserve, one of Downtown Los Angeles’ premier nightlife destinations frequented by celebrities, athletes, and entertainers over the years. Multiple VIP nightlife packages available.

Super Bowl Week Exclusive Experiences

Estimated Value: $10,000+

Private networking and celebrity-access events during Super Bowl weekend. These are ultra-exclusive events generally reserved for celebrities, NFL players, NFLPA guests, and invited industry insiders only. Packages may include:


  • Private celebrity parties
  • Exclusive nightlife access
  • Networking experiences
  • VIP hospitality access for up to four guests
 

These are truly priceless experiences that money normally cannot buy

NFL Luxury Suite Experiences (Coming Soon)

We are currently working on additional exclusive NFL game-day experiences which may include:

  • Luxury suite access
  • Private dinners
  • VIP hospitality
  • San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams experiences
  • And more surprises still being finalized

 

Additional prizes and experiences will continue to be announced.

Register early and be part of an incredible event supporting the student-athletes and community of JSerra Catholic High School.

A rewarding experience where you can make a difference while enjoying a fantastic time alongside fellow contributors.
 Experience the thrill of close interaction and engaging conversation with our celebrity guests at the exclusive poker tournament, an opportunity you won’t want to miss!



Your participation in the Poker Tournament and all other donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Play It Forward Initiative Inc. Non profit : 33-4216629

Unable to Attend?
Support Us Here with a Donation!

OUR SPONSORS

Celebrity Presence

We are honored to welcome former NFL players, legends, and celebrity guests expected to attend throughout the event, including:

NFL Hall of Famer Rod Woodson standing on the field with his hands on his hips, wearing his black and yellow Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.

Rod Woodson

NFL Hall of Famer and one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history, with a legendary 17-year career.

NFL legend Hardy Nickerson Sr. flexing on the field in his classic orange and white Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform.

Hardy Nickerson

NFL legend and 5-time Pro Bowl linebacker who played 16 seasons with Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, and Green Bay.

Graphic featuring Mel Owens, showing his current appearance on The Golden Bachelor on the left and a vintage photo from his time with the Rams on the right.

Mel Owens​

Former first-round NFL Draft pick out of University of Michigan who played in the NFL from 1981–1989. And currently known for the Golden bachelor.

Former NFL player Austin Pettis running with the football in his blue and yellow Rams uniform.

Austin Pettis​

WR, played at Boise State Broncos football and spent 5 years in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams and San Diego Chargers.

NFL linebacker Hardy Nickerson Jr. running during a game in his white, black, and orange Cincinnati Bengals uniform.

Hardy Nickerson Jr.

LB, played at California Golden Bears football and spent 5 years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Houston Texans.

Former NFL safety Chris Conte entering the field surrounded by flames, wearing his red Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform.

Chris Conte

Former NFL safety with Chicago and Tampa Bay, and standout player from University of California, Berkeley.

Former NFL tight end John Allred focused on the field, wearing his black and yellow Pittsburgh Steelers helmet and uniform.

John Allred

Played in the NFL from 1997–2002 and attended University of Southern California.

Former NFL player and coach Pat Harlow shouting instructions from the sideline while wearing a JSerra visor.

Pat Harlow

Eight-year NFL veteran with New England and Oakland.

NFL tight end Richard Rodgers showing intensity on the field in his green and yellow Green Bay Packers uniform.

Richard Rodgers

Played eight NFL seasons with Green Bay, Philadelphia, Washington, and Los Angeles.

 

Former MLB center fielder Aaron Rowand swinging a wooden bat during a game, wearing his white pinstriped Chicago White Sox uniform and batting helmet.

Aaron Rowand

Former Major League Baseball center fielder. He played for the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Francisco Giants from 2001–2011

Hosted by

Brandon Gabriel smiling on a golf course wearing a dark patterned polo shirt and a light blue MUNI hat.

Brandon Gabriel 

Brandon Gabriel smiling on a golf course wearing a dark patterned polo shirt and a light blue MUNI hat.

Brandon Gabriel 

Professional headshot of Tim Ristoff, Chairman of the Play It Forward Initiative, smiling in a blue suit jacket and light blue shirt.

Tim Ristoff

Chairman

Exclusive Experiences,
Luxury Prizes & VIP Access

Luxury Hawaii Getaway

Estimated Value: $6,000+

Enjoy a 3-night luxury stay at the world-renowned FourSeasons Resort Lana’i in Hawaii, including:

  • Resort View Guestroom
  • Daily breakfast for two at Osteria Mozza
  • One of Hawaii’s top-ranked luxury golf destinations

Exclusive Jewelry Experience

Estimated Value: $10,000

Luxury jewelry of your choice from participating partners

Elite Football Training Experience

Estimated Value: $6,000+

Private 4-hour QB and football development experience with renowned quarterback coach Jordan Palmer for up to 25 athletes/adults.

VIP Las Vegas-Style Nightlife Experience

Estimated Value: $5,000+

Private VIP bottle service experiences at The Reserve, one of Downtown Los Angeles’ premier nightlife destinations frequented by celebrities, athletes, and entertainers over the years. Multiple VIP nightlife packages available.

Super Bowl Week Exclusive Experiences

Estimated Value: $10,000+

Private networking and celebrity-access events during Super Bowl weekend. These are ultra-exclusive events generally reserved for celebrities, NFL players, NFLPA guests, and invited industry insiders only. Packages may include:

  • Private celebrity parties
  • Exclusive nightlife access
  • Networking experiences
  • VIP hospitality access for up to four guests
 

These are truly priceless experiences that money normally cannot buy

NFL Luxury Suite Experiences (Coming Soon)

We are currently working on additional exclusive NFL game-day experiences which may include:

 
  • Luxury suite access
  • Private dinners
  • VIP hospitality
  • San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams experiences/li>
  • And more surprises still being finalized


Additional prizes and experiences will continue to be announced.

Register early and be part of an incredible event supporting the student-athletes and community of JSerra Catholic High School.

A rewarding experience where you can make a difference while enjoying a fantastic time alongside fellow contributors.

Experience the thrill of close interaction and engaging conversation with our celebrity guests at the exclusive poker tournament, an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Your participation in the Poker Tournament and all other donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Play It Forward Initiative Inc. Non profit : 33-4216629

Unable to Attend? Support Us Here with a Donation!

For donations larger than $5,000 or more information please email e4lfootball@gmail.com

OUR SPONSORS

PLAY IT FORWARD POKER FUNDRAISING | 2026

PLAY IT FORWARD POKER FUNDRAISING | 2026
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.