Review: Playing Cards with a Cause + Very Special Kickstarter Project

Playing cards are easily accessible and can be played by practically anyone. They are a non-intrusive way of getting across a very powerful message.  A deck of playing cards with a cause can often times be a great reminder of a very important issue and often times bring total awareness of a subject to people. Bottom line is playing cards are played with the same hands that these causes and issues are trying to reach out to. With that said, this post features some of the many different playing cards with a cause that not only have incredible design but support even more incredible missions as well.



Before I get into the decks that already have been released, there is a special Kickstarter that was launched last week on May 8th that supports the LGBT community. The cards have been simply called LGBT Playing Cards and need to meet a goal of $10K by June 7th. Let's help them get there! B.J. DeLong of Findlay, OH created the project for his daughter, who recently came out as bisexual last year. Here are the details from the project's Kickstarter page:

This exclusive LGBT themed playing card deck is more than a labor of love...it is the product of one family's caring, understanding, and support. 

Last year, our teenage daughter came out to her mother and I as being bisexual. We have always fostered an open atmosphere as parents so the ease with which she told us did not come as a surprise. Looking back now, I can safely say I was more surprised in her absolute certainty and the matter-of-factness with which she told us. This was not a choice. This was not a phase. This was her saying, "This is who I am." 

Our daughter took what I consider an even braver step earlier this year when she decided to come out to the world on her social media networks. Knowing that you have loving parents is one thing...being a teenager that is willing to put herself out on the internet to be judged by her peers is a whole different story. I admire her bravery and courage (as I know it has not been easy for her.)

Being the type of parents that we are, my wife and I decided to look for ways to show our daughter support and to become involved as a family...and so, the LGBT playing card deck idea was born.  

Elements from the entire LGBT community are added to the deck's design as seen on their Kickstarter page:

Back design...



Face Cards...



Different Suits



Click here to pledge for the LGBT Playing Card Deck on Kickstarter

As a backer you will receive an award for supporting the cause.


Other decks with a cause:

Theory 11, one of the leading magic and designer of playing cards, does not shy away from putting out decks that tackle issues as well. The custom Animal Kingdom Playing Cards were designed and developed in order to support the World Wildlife Fund to benefit global conservation efforts. For every deck purchased $1 will go to the WWF.

Taken from Theory11.com - Animal Kingdom Playing Card Deck[/caption]

Theory 11 is also behind the Charity: Water Playing Card deck, which supports Charity: Water, a non-profit organization that brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of the purchase of one of these decks, which is $5.00, will go to Charity:Water.

The United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) has also partnered with many different organizations and released a good amount of playing card decks that shine light on many of today's issues. Here are the playing cards with a cause that Bicycle currently sells and donates at least 15 cents of the proceeds to:

Humane Society Playing Cards

Wounded Warrior Playing Cards

Alzheimer's Playing Cards

Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Playing Cards

The Negro Leagues Playing Cards

Note: If you know of any more playing cards with a cause please let me know and I will be sure to update this page.