The nine World Series of Poker finalists are allowed ten square inches of logo space on the shirts they will wear while playing the televised event.

Dennis Phillips, the chip leader, has put up one of those spots for charity.

Thus Phillips has demonstrated that he is the leader in supporting good causes as well. 

Phillips has chosen a very innovative way for this endeavor. Apart from garnering funds for his chosen charity it will generate worldwide publicity for the cause. Phillips is auctioning the spot on his shirt over eBay, the most popular Internet market place that is used by millions. The charity that will benefit is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, specifically the Gateway Area Chapter in St. Louis. The auction began last week on October 16 and will end on October 26. The eBay reference number, for those who may be interested, is item #290268147259. The highest bid registered so far is just above $13,000. The amount is expected to go much higher as the auction closes. Phyllis Robsham, the president of the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is thrilled to be a part of this endeavor. He said that the awareness and funds raised by Phillips would enable the society to assist the more than 6,000 people afflicted with multiple sclerosis in the St. Louis area. 

The choice of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as the charity to support was not a random one for Phillips. It was an intensely personal and natural decision because Phillips has experienced multiple sclerosis up close. His brother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis ten years ago. Since then Phillips has wanted to do something in this regard. But being an account manager with a truck company did not provide him with any opportunities. However he got his chance when he made the final table of WSOP this year. Phillips said, “Being on the Final Table of WSOP is an opportunity of a lifetime,” and he took it with both hands. 

During WSOP Phil Gordon was trying to get the Main Event participants to register for the Put a Bad Beat on Cancer drive. They were asked to contribute 1% of their winnings to the charity. When Phillips was contacted he immediately signed up. And then when PokerStars asked him to join their Team PokerStars Pro he requested his sponsors to match his donation to the cause of cancer. PokerStars agreed to do so. And if Phillips wins the bracelet then the amount going to Put a Bad Beat on Cancer would be around $180,000. Since reaching the final table Phillips has already contributed to a number of causes including the Pajuols Foundation. He has played in a number of charity events as well. These include one for the Prevent Cancer Foundation and another for the family of a fallen firefighter. 

The simplicity of the man can be gauged from the fact that he obtained a passport only after his WSOP achievement so that he could participate in the London leg of the European Poker Tour.