I know our elementary school turned down the idea but one of the parent clubs at our high school level did this and had good success. I have a family member that runs one of these businesses in Michigan (properly licensed). The charity representatives have to work the event, but players can be anyone from community and depending on the weekends (some bring larger crowds than others) some of the charities have made really good profits. It is a sticky situation though due to it being gambling so you would want full buy-in from your school.
Good Luck.

Our PTO was advised by the school board, not to get involved with these new poker clubs. The profits are small and some do not have the state licencing. So be careful and do your research.

The reality is that you will be promoting gambling.

Fortunately though, poker has been legitimized in the last few years and has almost gained 'organized sport' status because of top events being televised, etc. Still, It is gambling.

You still will feel strange promoting it most likely but I doubt your parents would be offended.

I am co-president of an elementary school PTO in Michigan and our PTO is exploring new ways to bring in revenue. One avenue we are exploring is chairity poker nights. Michigan State law allows charities/non-profits to partner with various establishments (bowling alleys/bars/restaurants) to hold charity poker nights. The establishment organizes and hosts the event, the non-profit must only lend its name to the event and supply 2 or more volunteers to count money and dispense poker chips. In return, the non-profit receives a percentage of the profits.

In our case, the PTO would probably not even need to promote the event to our school community since the restaurant we would work with hosts chairity poker nights almost every evening--the restaurant would supply the players. A few PTO members would just need to work the event and collect a check.

My question is whether any other Michigan PTO's have participated in these events and whats was the result? Also, even though this form of fundraising is specifically allowed by state law and we would not be "promoting gambling" at our school, I am concerned that parents might see it otherwise. Any thoughts?