2024 recap
Derek Jeter’s Blackjack Tournament Weekend raises critical funds to support Turn 2 Foundation
The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood hosted “Winner-Takes-All” Blackjack Tournament;
Event featured live performance by Fat Joe and Ja Rule, and a DJ set by Kid Capri
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - Dozens of VIP guests hit the blackjack tables and enjoyed a variety of special events as part of Derek Jeter’s Blackjack Tournament Weekend presented by The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. The three-day event, which was held from April 12-14 at the renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination in Hollywood, Florida, raised critical funds to support Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation and its programs serving youth.
“We were thrilled to come together with our friends and supporters for this special event benefiting Turn 2,” said Derek Jeter. “The funds raised as part of the tournament will support the Foundation’s signature programs that empower youth to serve as role models and leaders in their communities, excel in school and work hard toward achieving their dreams. We are grateful to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood for presenting this incredible event, and to our sponsor, Jeep, for making this weekend such a success.”
The festivities kicked off Friday, April 12, with a blackjack tournament and viewing party in the Terrace Ballroom, where the winner walked away with a $100,000 prize. The event continued Saturday, April 13, with a celebration at The Guitar Hotel Pool, which featured live entertainment provided by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. The line-up included an extraordinary performance by Grammy-nominated musician, entrepreneur and philanthropist Fat Joe and legendary rapper, actor, entertainer and entrepreneur Ja Rule, and a live DJ set by the Grammy-award winning Kid Capri. During the special event, Seminole Gaming CEO and Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen also took the stage to share remarks, and presented Turn 2 with a $100,000 donation.
“Turn 2 is committed to helping young people break barriers and create positive change in their communities and beyond,” said Sharlee Jeter, president of The Turn 2 Foundation. “The contributions from this event will enable the Foundation to continue providing youth with enriching opportunities that ignite their passions and inspire them to reach their highest potential. We are incredibly thankful for the support we continue to receive from our partners, sponsors and friends.”
“We were honored to host The Turn 2 Blackjack Tournament Weekend at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood,” said Bo Guidry, president of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. “Philanthropy is in our Hard Rock DNA, and we are proud to support Turn 2 in its work to empower youth, encourage them to dream big and give them the tools to reach those goals.”
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.