Proceeds from the 16th Annual Poker Challenge will support Pretend City’s early learning programs and family resources.
Irvine, CA – October 23, 2025– Poker tables were packed with serious poker players during Pretend City Children’s Museum’s 16th Annual Poker Challenge on Thursday, October 23, 2025, held at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach. 113 of Orange County’s prominent philanthropists and top business leaders took to their poker chips and cards to participate in a five-hour poker fundraising challenge.
This year was the most financially successful Poker Challenge to date! Raising a record-breaking $242,000 (and counting!), the event continues to support Pretend City as a key hub for early childhood development, including providing developmental assessments for children and support for children with developmental delays.
The successful event was co-chaired by Hirad Emadi and Trevor Tait. Hirad Emadi remarked “In 2009, Pretend City opened its doors after lots of visioning, planning and fundraising – it was a special moment. When it did, we quickly shifted our focus to raising the annual funds we needed to run the place. Our answer was, let’s try a poker tournament and see how it goes. We did our first one with a much smaller budget than these last few. The event was a great success, and I’m thankful to so many who supported us that night, a lot of you who are here tonight – 16 years later.”
Darolyn Tatum, a parent who attends Neurodivergent Family Nights, shared “In a system that can be cold, complicated, and even calloused at times, Pretend City has truly been a rainbow in the sky for our family. Their developmental screenings and inclusive programs helped my son go from a global developmental delay to thriving in his imagination, confidence, and play. Pretend City doesn’t give up on children – and I am a witness that they only get better.”
Dealer Dolls dealt hands at custom Poker tables with prizes for the final table participants, with Bill Lyon emerging as the champion this year. Among the supporters for the evening’s event were board members Bill Lyon, Sergio Andonian, Michelle Barto, Elliot Brown, Daniel Campos, Iva Chen, Casey McCracken, Trevor Tait, Carl Tong and co-founder Sandy Stone. Other notable supporters included Hirad Emadi, Joe Stapleton, Matt Stewart, Rup Shah, Ethan Morgan and Evan Ocepek. The event was made possible by generous key sponsors: MSI, Balboa Technologies, Discount Tire & Service Centers, Duran Family, Gibson Dunn, Innovative Construction Solutions, Lyon Air Museum, Murphy Financial Services, Scott Risk Group, TAIT & Associates and Wilmington Trust.
About Pretend City Children’s Museum:
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit, featuring an interconnected city designed to prepare children for milestones and school readiness through imaginative play experiences. Their 19 learning spaces are designed to balance playful engagement and educational experiences with holistic growth.
The museum is a hub for community resources offering developmental screenings and tools for families, educators and community agencies working to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed to discover their potential and build toward a productive and fulfilling future. For more information about Pretend City Children’s Museum and our commitment to fostering children’s development through play, please visit www.pretendcity.org
