NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today BamPoker, an engaging Facebook Application focused on building communities among its users, unveiled their first choice in a series of Non-Profit organizations as part of their commitment to social responsibility. The first will be Free The Children, a long time favorite of BamPoker Founders Elton Pereira and Jeremy Nichele, who over the past year, have together built four schools in India and Africa through the power of social media. The focus of BamPoker is to build a community while having fun and the Founders saw the importance of supporting a non-profit as a meaningful way to do just that, as did BamPoker spokeswoman Pamela Anderson, a noted philanthropist in her own right.
The BamPoker Facebook App boasts thrilling game play, a leading-edge online community and is the only place online where members can play Texas Hold'em poker with Pamela Anderson herself.
BamPoker selected Free The Children thanks to the Founders' long standing support of the organization. Free The Children was founded in 1995 by leading Canadian child rights activist Craig Kielburger. It has since grown into the largest network of children helping children through education, with more than one million youth involved in domestic and international programming in 45 countries.
When Pereira and Nichele first met with international superstar Pamela Anderson, they immediately connected over their mutual passion for helping others and inspiring social change. As a philanthropist, Pamela's work and dedication is unmatched in the celebrity community. A long time supporter of PETA, Anderson has also lent her time and resources to causes such as JP/HRO, Waves For Water, USO, Cool Earth (to save the Rainforest), Sea Shepard Conservation Society (Pamela recently flew to Germany defended Captain Paul Watson for his wrongful imprisonment), The MAC Viva Glam 5 campaign to raise awareness for AIDS testing around the world, as well as encouraging countries to cease the importation of seal products, which is a step towards stopping the barbaric baby seal hunt once and for all. Anderson regularly pleads with governments and has had a part in changing several animal and environmental welfare laws worldwide. Anderson is also producing a documentary series with activist Paul Manley in Canada called "Whatever It Takes," showcasing people who dedicate their lives to a cause at all costs.
"BamPoker's passion for helping those less fortunate was a big part of why I joined their team," said Pamela Anderson. "Throughout my career I have made it a priority to be an advocate for a variety of causes and BamPoker's commitment to social responsibility is admirable. Free The Children is the first of many collaborations and we are delighted to be able to help support such a wonderful organization."
This shared passion laid the groundwork for the trio's working relationship and serves as one of the core principals of BamPoker's mission. Pereira and Nichele wanted BamPoker to have a "personal touch" like no other site, so who better to bring on board than international celebrity and poker fan Pamela Anderson? Pamela is much more than BamPoker's spokesperson and creative consultant — she is an active member of the BamPoker community where she maintains a Facebook fan page, plays poker, and periodically chats with members via the BamPoker Facebook App.
BamPoker pits real individuals from all over the world against one another in both casual and tournament-style Texas Hold'em play. There is no real-money gambling at BamPoker — it's free to play, and it's all about the fun. As players win virtual chips and gain experience points, they gain access to higher-level opponents and higher-stakes games. The ultimate goal is to obtain a VIP Badge, which allows top players to take their chances at BamPoker's exclusive VIP tables for the poker elite.
Over the coming year, BamPoker will announce other charities they will be supporting. For more information please visit: https://apps.facebook.com/bampoker/?r=1.
About BamPoker
Pamela Anderson presents BamPoker, an exciting, world-class Facebook poker experience. Play with friends and connect with players from around the world! Choose from casual Texas Hold'em, tournament-style play, or take a chance on our exclusive VIP Tables for the poker elite. "That's the Beauty of the Game!"™
For more information please visit http://www.bampoker.com.
About Free The Children
Free The Children is the world's largest network of children helping children through education, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded in 1995 by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, we are a charity and educational partner that believes in a world where all young people are free to achieve their fullest potential as agents of change. Our domestic programs educate, engage and empower hundreds of thousands of youth in North America, the UK and around the world. Our international projects have brought over 650 schools and school rooms to youth and provided clean water, health care and sanitation to one million people around the world.
Free The Children has a proven track record of success. The organization has received the World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child (also known as the Children's Nobel Prize), the Human Rights Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, and has formed successful partnerships with leading school boards and Oprah's Angel Network.
For more information, visit: www.freethechildren.com.