
“Winner-Takes-All” Blackjack Tournament - Derek Jeter’s Tournament Event Raised $850K To Support Turn 2’s Programs For Youth

South Florida Sun Times
May 22, 2025
The Stakes Were High And The Impact Even Higher As VIP Guests Gathered For Derek Jeter’s 2nd Annual Blackjack Tournament Weekend, Presented By The Guitar Hotel At Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, From Friday, May 16th - Friday, May 17th. The Two-Day Event, Which Took Place At The Renowned Entertainment, Gaming And Hospitality Destination In Hollywood, Florida, Featured Live Entertainment And Special Events That Raised $850K To Support Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation And Its Programs Serving Youth.
“It was a privilege to join our friends and supporters for this incredible tournament benefiting Turn 2,” said Derek Jeter. “Witnessing so many people unite in support of our mission was truly inspiring, ensuring that we can continue to empower youth to lead with integrity, succeed academically, and unlock their full potential. We were honored to once again partner with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood this year, and are grateful to our sponsors who continue to make this event possible.”
The festivities kicked off on Friday, May 16th, with a Blackjack Tournament and viewing party, where the winner walked away with a $100,000 prize. The event continued Saturday, May 17th, with a celebration at The Guitar Hotel Pool, where Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood brought the crowd to their feet with an extraordinary performance by Grammy Award-winning Singer, Songwriter and Actress Ashanti. During the special event, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood President, Bo Guidry, also took the stage to share remarks, and presented Turn 2 with a $100,000 donation.
“At Turn 2, empowering young people to overcome challenges and advocate for social change is at the heart of our mission,” said Sharlee Jeter, President of The Turn 2 Foundation. “The generous contributions from this event will help the Foundation to continue providing enriching opportunities that fuel young people’s passions and inspire them to become tomorrow’s leaders. We are profoundly grateful to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood for partnering with us and for the ongoing support of our sponsors and friends.”
“We were honored to host Derek Jeter’s 2nd Annual Blackjack Tournament Weekend at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood,” said Bo Guidry, President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. “Philanthropy is embedded in our Hard Rock DNA, and we are proud to support Turn 2, a remarkable organization that empowers youths and inspires them to dream big, equipping them with the tools they need to achieve their ambitions.”
Derek Jeter established The Turn 2 Foundation during his rookie year with the New York Yankees in 1996. Since its launch, Turn 2 has worked to help young people reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles and social change.
About The Turn 2 Foundation
Since its launch in December 1996, The Turn 2 Foundation has created and supported programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles. Through various specialized programs and events, the Foundation works with youth in New York City, West Michigan and Florida, empowering them to reach their full potential. Its signature Jeter’s Leaders Initiative is a four-year leadership development program that fosters academic achievement, positive behavior and social change among high school students. During its 29-year history, Turn 2 has given back more than $45 Million, funding its signature programs as well as organizations that support its mission.
About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship-integrated resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 Billion expansion in 2019, highlighting the debut of the world’s first and only Guitar Hotel. Between three hotel towers, the resort boasts 1,271 luxury guest rooms. Amenities include a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa® & Salon; an 18-acre recreational water experience; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 20 food and beverage outlets; a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and an expansive gaming floor with more than 2,500 slots, more than 200 table games and a 45-table poker room. In 2023, the casino launched live craps, roulette, and retail sports betting, offering 10 craps tables, 20 roulette tables, and sports betting locations including both electronic kiosks and kiosks with live sports betting agents. Introducing the new games is a historic milestone that immediately puts Florida in the same league as the world’s great gaming destinations. Hard Rock Live, ranked No. 3 and No. 5 worldwide in 2023 gross revenue for Pollstar Magazine and Billboard respectively, highlights A-list entertainers and performers, sporting events and live broadcast productions in an intimate 7,000-person capacity setting. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7, U.S. Highway 441, which is located at 1 Seminole Way, Davie, Florida 33314.
For more information, visit us online at: www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com - Or call: 1 (800) 937-0010.