Here's what Terry Axelrod had to say about the popularity of poker fundraising for nonprofits in the Nov. 15, 2004 New York Times story, "It's for a Good Cause, so Shut Up and Deal" by Katie Zezima.

Terry Axelrod, chief executive of Raising More Money, a consulting business that works nationally with nonprofit groups, thinks that gambling fund-raisers detract from an organization's mission. Successful fund-raising, she said, requires educating people about the organization so they will continue to give because of the charity.

"That's what fund-raising is about. It's not about poker. It's not about entertainment," she said. "I think mixing them with a real solid mission is dangerous."