To ensure standout in a city saturated with causes and galas, we designed Chance for Life to be distinctive — a part-charity, part-concert, part-gourmet food tasting from the city’s top chefs. 2018 was no different. On March 10, 2018, Chance for Life took place at MGM National Harbor for a Vegas-style affair. The Texas Hold’em amateur poker tournament, the largest in the DC area, kicked the off 13-hour event. More than 700 players participated and it was hosted by fourteen-time World Series of Poker Winner, Phil Hellmuth. As an added incentive for participating in the fundraiser, each player had the opportunity to win the grand prize: a seat at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

 Next came the taste experience, which headlined some of DC’s top chefs and mixologists. From a giant ice Plinko sculpture that selected guests’ whisky drink of choice, to an entire pig roasted on site, the experience is one unlike any other. The event ended with surprise musical guest, John Popper of Blues Traveler, a live DJ and an evening full of dancing.

 In 2018 alone, donations equated to $1.6MM, contributing to the $4.2MM raised since its genesis. Such an accomplishment would not have been possible without dedicated sponsors like The Boeing Company, MGM National Harbor, Facebook, and the support of survivors and their families.