Aaron Nola’s second charity poker tournament ‘powers the mission’ for Philabundance and Team Red, White, and Blue
The event invites fans to play alongside some of their favorite Phillies players as they raise funds for an important cause. Jason and Kylie Kelce were among the special guests.
Rows of poker tables lined the Philadelphia Insurance Club at Citizens Bank Park as Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola hosted his second charity poker tournament. Each year, the fundraiser invites fans to play alongside some of their favorite Phillies players as they raise funds for an important cause.
“We’re trying to raise $250,000, at least, tonight,” Nola said. “But, we’re looking forward to a great turnout and to support these great organizations in everything they do. And they’re special human beings. The ones that run it are amazing people and their mission is amazing and we’re pretty fortunate to be doing this for them.”
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This year’s event benefited Philabundance, the largest food bank in the Greater Philadelphia region, and Team Red, White, and Blue, an organization that helps veterans and service members seek improved physical or mental health.
“We’ve been partnering with the Nolas for a few years now,” said Michael Sullivan, the executive director of Team Red, White, and Blue. “He’s a huge supporter of veteran health and wellness and that’s exactly what we do. … His commitment to what we do, it powers the mission forward.”
Nola has worked with both Philabundance and Team Red, White, and Blue for several years. The pitcher named the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year by the Major League Baseball Players Trust. With the honor, Nola earned a $25,000 grant to donate to a charity of his choice. In February, he made his decision to give the money to Philabundance, joining its efforts to battle food insecurity across two states in nine counties.
“He’s been a true ambassador,” Amy Galette, the director of corporate relations for Philabundance said. “Aaron steps up every single year. … He’s just a guy that says yes and it comes straight from his heart. So, Philabundance is super lucky to have him and Hunter be the philanthropists that they are.”
There was an online silent auction featuring items like a Miracle on Ice Team USA signed jersey, a Kobe Bryant signed jersey, a Saquon Barkley framed jersey, a Taylor Swift signed guitar, and a Jalen Hurts framed photo. But Nola had his eyes on two items in particular.
“The Mighty Ducks [signed jersey] was pretty cool,” Nola said. “The Mighty Ducks and the Mike Tyson [signed] glove. I mean anything over there is really special.”
A number of Nola’s teammates were in attendance, including Bryson Stott, Orion Kerkering, Jesus Luzardo, J.T. Realmuto, and Brandon Marsh.
They were joined by former Eagles center Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie Kelce, along with the Phillie Phanatic, Phillies Ballgirls, and broadcaster Tom McCarthy, who emceed the event.
And when it came to a prediction on who the best poker player was on the team, Nola said: “Probably J.T. [Realmuto]. JT is good at everything.”
