For the fifth year in a row, many big names descend on Las Vegas, Nevada, to offer support for the Why Not? Foundation Poker Night with WPT Foundation.
Hosted at the Intrigue Nightclub at the Wynn Las Vegas, more than 50 players and 150 guests attended the event to offer support to the Why Not? Foundation’s goal of empowering underprivileged youth.
NBA superstar Russell Westbrook and his wife Nina hosted the poker tournament. While it was a night of fun for many involved, everybody was there to support a bigger goal. The Why Not? Foundation was established by Westbrook in 2012 and has helped empower many young people over the years. For Westbrook, it’s very important that he devotes real time to the foundation, which is why he believes it has been successful.
“I think one thing that we do do very well is be consistent,” Westbrook told Heavy Sports. “I think one thing about a foundation nonprofit is something that I take a lot of pride in is being consistent. And what I mean by being consistent is showing up, not just donating, but showing up, being present, which I think goes a long way for the youth, especially in Los Angeles.
“And I think that’s something that we do well. Even if I’m not there, there’s a representative, whether my family or the team, that’s there in the event to make sure that we’re representing and showing up.”
Many Big Names Came to Support Event
Westbrook wasn’t the only big name at the poker night event. Big-name athletes like DeAndre Jordan, DeMar DeRozan, Norman Powell, Delon Wright and Adin Hill were all in attendance. That’s not to mention poker stars like Michael Mizrachi, Princess Love, Antonio Esfandiari, Erik Seidel and Dan Shak offering support.
These are all people with very busy schedules, so Westbrook was appreciative of those who were able to make the event.
“It means a lot,” Westbrook said. “I think it’s something I don’t take for granted. I think people can make decisions when they make a decision to be able to come to my event, to come give back. It shows that they care enough to be able to be here and show support. Not just care, they give their money, they give their time, which I’m really appreciative about. My job is to make sure that they see it and see what we’re doing and how we’re doing it each and every year.”
Significance of Why Not?
Why Not? is a very fitting name for a foundation. It helps remind people that helping others should be second-nature.
Westbrook had a chance to explain the genesis of the name and why it’s important to him.
“Long story short, it just started with some back in high school, Westbrook said. “Made a couple buddies. We grew up in the inner city of Los Angeles, and for us, there’s a lot of different obstacles that we have to navigate, and I always wanted to be able to use something that puts us in a positive and confident mindset, and we just came up with this.
“We all kept telling ourselves, Why not? Why not? And we just kind of used it, and it stuck with me forever, obviously. I still use it to this day and every single day because it allows you to be able to do things that people say you cannot do. It allows you to put yourself in a mindset that instills confidence in yourself. You’re not looking outward for anybody else to get ahead with that, so that’s the short story of it.”