World Series of Poker Finalist Pledges Support for Minds Matter
Minds Matter National congratulates Gershon Distenfeld on qualifying for the final round of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to take place later this month. Mr. Distenfeld, a long-time supporter of Minds Matter and its commitment to advancing educational equity, has pledged to donate 100% of his tournament winnings to charity.
“Congratulations, Gershon, and best of luck on your quest to be the top winner,” shared Ashish Shah, Board Co-Chair of Minds Matter National. “Drive and dedication are markers of success in poker as well as in our students. Every year Minds Matter students not only earn admission to the best universities in the country, they also win millions of dollars in scholarships every year. We’re so grateful to you for investing your winnings in their success!”
Minds Matter is a national college access organization that connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Through its network of 14 chapters across the nation, Minds Matter helps nearly 1,000 students from under-resourced communities get into competitive 4-year colleges and universities every year. Minds Matter’s 29-year track record proves that family income is no barrier to success: more than 90% of its alumni have earned college degrees.
A study by Clive R. Belfield and the Center for Benefit-Cost Studies in Education at Columbia University found that every dollar invested in Minds Matter generated $17 in positive social impact for the larger community.
“We are very excited to support the success of our entire community—including our incredible donors and supporters like Gershon who truly make our work possible,” shared Leanne Huebner, Board Co-Chair and Founder of Minds Matter. “We will be tuning in and hoping he wins it all so we can help even more amazing students in future years!”
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About Minds Matter
Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world.
Through a highly selective and rigorous 3-year academic mentoring program, Minds Matter students accomplish the extraordinary: 100% of Minds Matter program graduates are accepted into four-year colleges and more than 70% of them attend the nation’s most selective colleges. Powered by over 2,000 volunteers nationwide, Minds Matter chapters are located in 14 cities across the country. The national office of Minds Matter is located in New York City.
For more information about Minds Matter, please contact Imran Noorali at Imran.Noorali@mindsmatter.org.
About WSOP
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the longest-running, largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the world, dating back 50 years to 1970, and having paid more than $3.3 billion in total prize money to date. In 2020, the WSOP celebrates its 50th Anniversary and remains the must trusted name in the game. More information can be found here.