GreasieWheels Blog

PokerStars.com Bad Beat on Cancer Poker Challenge

Put a Bad Beat on Cancer in Honor of Nicole Rowe

PokerStars.com is hosting a "Bad Beat on Cancer" Challenge in honor of Nicole Rowe on Thursday, November 12th at 9:00 PM EST/6:00 PM PST. 

Rowe is the woman who finished second to an unlikely male player named Abraham Korotki, a 65-year-old real-estate developer who recently entered a won the Borgata's ladies' event. Koratki claims he unaware of any gender restrictions. Rowe entered the AtlanticCity poker tournament on the urging of friends to escape the stress of an upcoming breast cancer surgery. Rowe’s story has inspired a number of industry companies and professionals to come together to help raise breast cancer awareness. 

The top 50 finishers will win unique and exciting prize packages donated by poker pros Phil Gordon, Joe Sebok, Gavin Smith, Daniel Negreanu, Jamie Gold, Tom McEvoy, Vanessa Rousso, Matt Glantz, Tom Schneider, as wells as UFC Light Heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz. Prize packages are also being donated by "Two Months, Two Million," Pokernews, WSOP Academy, The Borgata, PokerRoad, Poker Players International, Bluff Magazine, Skullcandy, Spade Club, P.P.I. Gear, and Pokerati.  

The buy-in is $10 with $10 rebuys through the first two levels. All proceeds from the online event will go to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit group whose mission is to help with cancer prevention and early detection through research, education and community outreach. 

The tournament can be found in the Private Tournament section on PokerStars.com.

If choose not to participate in the tournament but would like to make a direct donation, CLICK HERE.

Top Three of 50 Incredible Prizes

Thanks to the generous donations by industry pros and companies,a unique prize pool has been compiled valued at $24,158. All prizes are transferable. Each winner may keep the prize or pass it along to friends or family - Just in time for the holidays.

1st Place: Two Months, Two Million Scholarship - The cast of Two Months,Two Million has donated a lifetime subscription to Deucescracked.com, the site that helped shape the game of the hit show's four pros. This prize is valued at $10,000 but could be worth much, much more.

2nd Place: PokernewsPokerStars.Net Million Dollar Challenge VIP Experience - The runner up will attend the two-day taping on "Two Months, Two Million," including a meet-and-greet with NFL great Jerome Bettis, mixed martial arts fighter Tito Ortiz, reigning Playboy Playmate of the Year Jayde Nicole, and top poker pros Chris Moneymaker, Vanessa Rousso, Barry Greenstein and Daniel Negreanu. The prize package donated by Pokernews and PokerStars.com includes $1,000 cash for travel expenses and two-night accommodations at the Universal Sheraton in Hollywood.

3rd Place: WSOP Academy - Attend any two-day WSOP Tournament or Cash Game Academy courtesy of WSOP Academy. A great opportunity and learning experience hosted by top-flight instructors.

Make the Final Table and Win!

4th Place: The Borgata Triple Play Getaway - A two-night stay at Borgata's beautiful Water Club in Atlantic City and entry into December's Borgata's Triple Play tournament courtesy of Massive Impact Productions. 

5th Place: Two Months, Two Million Boot Camp* - Includes one hour of instructionfrom "Two Months, Two Million" stars Jason "pr1nnyraid" Rosenkrantz and Emil "WhiteLime" Patel.  

6th Place: Two Months, Two Million Boot Camp* - Includes one-hour instruction from "Two Months, Two Million" stars Dani "Ansky"Stern and Brian "Flawless_victory" Roberts. 

7th Place: Phil Gordon’s Day on the Greens - Play a round of golf with World Poker Tour winner and Bad Beat spokesman Phil Gordon at the exclusive Anthem Country Club in Las Vegas.

8th Place: The PokerRoad Happy Hour - Join PokerRoad jocks and pros Joe Sebok and Gavin Smith at a Las Vegas hotspot for a night of drinks, hilarity and hijinks. PokerRoad will even kick-in $150 to cover your own bar tab.

9th Place: Poker Players International Tournament Buy-In - Earn an entry to the inaugural P.P.I. tournament being held next year in Atlantic City.

10th Place: Kid Poker's Hour of Power* - Receive one hour of instruction from Pokerstars.net Million Dollar Challenge star and Team PokerStars pro Daniel Negreanu.

Fifty Total Prizes Awarded! 

11th Place: Pick Jamie Gold'sBrain* - One-hour of instruction from 2006 World Series of Poker MainEvent winner Jamie Gold.

12th Place: Winning Tips from TomMcEvoy* - One hour of tutoring from 1983 World Series of Poker Main Event champion and 2009 WSOP Champions Invitational winner Tom McEvoy. 

13th Place: Lady Maverick’s CramSession* - One hour of coaching from PokerStars pro Vanesa Rousso. 

14th Place: High-Stakes Head Gameswith Matt Glantz*- One hour of instruction with high-stakes ace and recent EPT London High Roller winner Matt Glantz.

15th Place: Poker Battlefield Tactics with the Donkey Bomber*- One hour of instruction from 2007 World Series of Poker Player of the Year Tom "DonkeyBomber" Schneider. 

16th Place: The Bluff Magazine Sports Nut Package – A personal tour and behind-the-scenes look at a Bristol, Connecticut worldwide leader in sports. In addition, Bluff is throwing in a magazine subscription and $200 in spending money.

17th Place: Punishment Athletics Gear Package – A clothing package donated by former UFC LightHeavyweight champion Tito Ortiz, including an autographed book, a shirt, a tanktop, original Tito flamed shorts, a beanie, and an autographed 8 X10 photograph.

18th Place: SpadeClub One YearPass - Courtesy of Card Player Magazine.

19th Place: Autographed PokerStars Million Dollar Challenge Chip Set - Autographed by pros and celebrities from the PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge.

20th through 22nd Place: Skull Candy headphones - courtesy Wicked Chops Poker.

23rd through 24th Place: PokerRoad Gear Packages - PokerRoad shirt,hoodie, and hat. 

25th Place: P.P.I. Gear Package- P.P.I. Scotte vest shirt, hat,and pullover.

25th Place: Ace on the River Package – Autographed copy of Barry Greenstein's book Ace on the River, plus a Poker Road shirt and hat.

27th through 32nd Place: Oops: I Won Too Much Money! Package – An autographed copy of Tom Schneider's book Oops, I Won Too Much Money.

33rd through 43rd Place: One-Year Subscription to Bluff Magazine.

44th through 49th Place: Pokerati T-shirt.

Ante Up for Africa and San Manuel Help Darfur

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Donate $500,000

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians hosted the second annual Ante Up for Africa tournament at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland, California on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Co- founded by Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle, World Series of Poker bracelet winner Annie Duke, and Norman Epstein, Ante Up For Africa was the recipient of a $500,000 donation that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians pledged to the Darfur-serving charity in support of the no-limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament.

“Our decision to continue partnering with Ante Up for Africa is rooted in the shared history of survival among the California Indian people,” said James Ramos, Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians. “We must turn the tide to stop atrocities against all people in the world where we can."

Duke and Cheadle were joined by nearly 300 players from the general public, in addition to their friends from the worlds of celebrity and professional poker, including special emcee Phil Hellmuth. The $150 buy-in entitled each player to $1,500 in tournament chips. The winners vied for a $50,000 cash prize pool.

“We are honored that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has once again lent their Casino and resources to the important cause that Ante Up For Africa supports,” said Annie Duke.

About Ante Up For Africa

Ante Up For Africa (www.anteupforafrica.org) is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 by Don Cheadle, Annie Duke and Norman Epstein dedicated to raising money and awareness for Africans in need.

Top photo: Professional poker player Phil Gordon announces the second annual Ante Up For Africa Tournament champion Ali Akhyari at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino. Photo Credit Vince Bucci/ AP

 

Photo above: Professional poker player Phil Gordon and tournament champion Ali Akhyari at the second annual Ante Up For Africa Tournament at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino To Benefit Darfur. Photo Credit Vince Bucci/ AP

Photos below: Submitted by Ante Up For Africa.

More Prizes - More Celebrities - More Activities at Annie Duke's Celebrity Poker Night

Annie Duke invites you to join her and celebrity friends for a great cause on Thursday, November 19th, at 8 PM. The Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night (CPN) sponsored by ClubWPT.com will take place during Commerce’s L.A. Poker Open. The winner of the Annie Duke CPN will receive a Rockwell Time sports watch, a Spa at Commerce Casino gift certificate, Life’s A Bluff limited edition art, a Crown Royal limited edition autographed bottle and gift set, an Ultimate Bet pack, and a seat to play in the 2010 World Poker Tour® (WPT) Celebrity Invitational - one of the most exclusive televised tournaments on the poker circuit. All nine final table finishers will receive more than $45,000 worth of valuable prizes courtesy of World Series of Poker Academy, Rockwell Time, Crown Royal, Commerce Casino, Team UltimateBet, Cartwright Entertainment, AMA Supercross Anaheim, Hardcore Elegance, and more. Participants will also receive generous gift bags sponsored by 2-Step Images, UltimateBet, Who’s Your Daddy, OlliePop, DEF, and GreasieWheels Additional prizes will go to the “Last Woman Standing,” “Out on the Bubble,” and the player with “Cracked Aces.” Bounty prizes will be awarded to players eliminating selected poker pros and celebrities. Fans and and tournament participants can play Ticket Hold’em for a chance to win cash and prizes. DRAFT Zone will host a fantasy camp giving everyone at Commerce Casino a chance to win cash prizes by drafting their favorite player predicted to reach the final table.

Schedule of events for Thursday, 19 November at Commerce Casino include,

5:00 PM - Cocktail hour at Stakes Supper Club
6:30 PM - "Use Poker to Learn Skills for Life" presentation hosted by Annie Duke, with guest speakers Howard Lederer, Ali Nejad, Andy Bloch, and Carl Spetzler. Also featuring a game of Ticket Hold'em...
7:00 PM - Celebrity Red Carpet Walk at Stakes..
7:30 PM - Pick your favorite celebrity to win with DRAFT Zone..
7:45 PM - Try your hand at a game of "Ticket Hold'em"..
8:00 PM - "Shuffle up and Deal" for Decision Education Foundation..
11:00 PM - Grand Prize presentation courtesy ClubWPT.com The Annie Duke DEF CPN sponsored by ClubWPT.com is open to the public. Seats are limited. Qualify in advance, as ClubWPT.com gives members three chances to win their way into the live Commerce Casino event. Visit http://www.clubwpt.com for more information on how to qualify or to receive a free two-week trial. Visit http://www.greasiewheels.com/events for tickets and more information.

Commerce Casino Offers LA Poker Open Championship Participants Discount to Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night

LA Poker Open main event participants receive $100 discount for entry to ClubWPT.com Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night benefiting Decision Education Foundation. 

Commerce Casino has recently announced that poker players registering for the L.A. Poker Open No-limit hold’em championship event #19 will receive a $100 discount for entry to ClubWPT.com’s Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night (CPN), a charity event featuring dozens of Hollywood celebrities, famous poker players, and more than $50,000 in prizes and giveaways. The fundraiser will take place in Commerce Casino’s ballroom Thursday, November 19th, one hour after the final qualifier for the L.A. Poker Open Championship commences. Registration and discounted entries will remain open until 9:15 PM.

The ClubWPT Annie Duke CPN champion will win a Rockwell Time sports watch, a Spa at Commerce Casino gift certificate, Life’s A Bluff limited edition art, a Crown Royal limited edition autographed bottle and gift set, an Ultimate Bet pack, and a seat to play in the 2010 World Poker Tour® (WPT) Celebrity Invitational - one of the most exclusive televised tournaments on the poker circuit scheduled for February 20th and 21st*. 

All nine final table finishers will receive valuable prizes courtesy of World Series of Poker Academy, Rockwell Time, Crown Royal, Commerce Casino, Team UltimateBet, Cartwright Entertainment, AMA Supercross Anaheim, Hardcore Elegance, and more. Additional prizes will go to the “Last Woman Standing,” “Out on the Bubble,” and the player with “Cracked Aces.” Bounty prizes will be awarded to players eliminating selected poker pros and celebrities. Fans and and tournament participants can play Ticket Hold’em for a chance to win cash and prizes. DRAFT Zone will host a fantasy competition giving everyone at Commerce Casino a chance to win cash prizes by drafting their favorite player predicted to reach the final table. 

ClubWPT.com Annie Duke CPN participants will also receive generous gift bags sponsored by 2-Step Images, UltimateBet, Who’s Your Daddy, OlliePop, DEF, and GreasieWheels.

The ClubWPT.com Annie Duke DEF CPN is open to the public. Seats are limited. Tickets are $330, and available in advance at http://www.greasiewheels.com/events.  Qualify in advance, as ClubWPT.com gives members three chances to win their way into the event starting October 30 at 10PM EST. Visit http://www.clubwpt.com/cash_prizes/annie_duke_CPN.html for more information on how to qualify or to receive a free two-week trial. 

The ClubWPT.com Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night at Commerce Casino will take place on Thursday, November 19th. The red carpet walk and silent auction will start at 7PM. The tournament will start at 8PM. 

For more information on confirmed celebrities, tournament structure, schedule of events, sponsors, how to qualify at www.ClubWPT.com, and how to purchase tickets in advance, visit http://www.greasiewheels.com/events.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit DEF. The Annie Duke CPN is a GreasieWheels production. For those unable to attend this event but wish to make a donation, visit http://www.decisioneducation.org/donate.

ClubWPT.com to Sponsor Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night benefiting DEF

ClubWPT.com named title sponsor of celebrity fundraiser hosted by Annie Duke at Commerce Casino - Professional poker players, fans, and Hollywood celebrities gear up for poker tournament to benefit Decision Education Foundation. 

The Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night (CPN) today confirmed that ClubWPT.com would be the title sponsor of the November 19 charity event at Commerce Casino benefiting The Decision Education Foundation (DEF). The grand prize of this year’s ClubWPT.com Annie Duke CPN will be a seat to play in one of the most exclusive televised tournaments on the poker circuit - the 2010 World Poker Tour® (WPT) Celebrity Invitational, scheduled for February 20th and 21st*.  The top ten top finishers will receive valuable prizes, with one lucky participant receiving a complimentary annual membership to ClubWPT.com, the legal online poker room of the World Poker Tour that awards over $100,000 in cash and prizes each month. Additional prize sponsors include World Series of Poker Academy, Rockwell Time, Crown Royal, Commerce Casino, Team UltimateBet, Cartwright Entertainment, AMA Supercross Anaheim, and Hardcore Elegance. 

The ClubWPT.com Annie Duke CPN activities will include a celebrity red carpet walk, DEF presentation, cocktails for participants, and silent and live auctions. All participants will receive a generous gift bag courtesy of 2-Step Images, UltimateBet, Who’s Your Daddy, OlliePop, DEF, and GreasieWheels.

The ClubWPT.com Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night at Commerce Casino will take place on Thursday, November 19th. The red carpet walk and silent auction will start at 7PM. The tournament will start at 8PM.  

The ClubWPT.com Annie Duke Celebrity Poker Night offers fans and everyday players a rare opportunity to participate in a "home style" poker tournament with pros and celebrities, including Anthrax musician Scott Ian, Broadway actor Andrew Hill Newman, American Internet entrepreneur Jason Calacanis, film and stage actor Joshua Malina, “NUMB3RS” Kathy Najimy, “Celebrity Apprentice” star and model Brande Roderick, “Amazing Race” competitors Maria Ho and Tiffany Michelle, comedian Jillette Penn, actor/producer Michael Cory Davis, world champion snowboarder Jeff Brushie, Supercross icon Jimmy Button, reality TV’s Trishelle Cannatella, film/TV actor and director Joe Reitman, professional poker players Annie Duke, Dan Harrington, Rafe Furst, Howard “The Professor” Lederer, John “Johnny World” Hennigan, Adam “Roothlus” Levy, Joe Sebok, hockey pro-turned-poker-pro Greg “FTB” Mueller, MIT blackjack legend Andy Bloch, Dave “Hollywood” Stann, WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack, game show personality Ali Nejad, and author Michael Craig.

The ClubWPT.com Annie Duke DEF CPN is open to the public. Seats are limited. Tickets are $330, and available in advance at http://www.greasiewheels.com/events.  

ClubWPT.com is also giving members three chances to win their way into the event starting October 30 at 10PM EST. Visit http://www.ClubWPT.com for more information on how to qualify or to receive a free two-week trial. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit DEF. The Annie Duke Celebrity DEF Poker Tournament is a GreasieWheels production. For those unable to attend this event but wish to make a donation, visit http://www.decisioneducation.org/donate.

ClubWPT.com--the World Poker Tour’s online subscription poker room—gives poker players a legal, risk-free way to play online poker to win big cash and prizes, including $10,000 WPT and World Series of Poker main event seats, WPT Boot Camp seats, and more.  For $19.95 monthly subscription, members can play in thousands of poker and blackjack tournaments for their share of $100,000 in cash and prizes each month plus exclusive benefits like $3,000 in Las Vegas VIP discounts and access to watch full WPT Season VII episodes online.  For more information, visit www.ClubWPT.com. 

No purchase is necessary for the www.ClubWPT.com sweepstakes and the service is void in states where prohibited. Must be 18 years or older to play.

*Dates are subject to change.  Final table will be filmed on March 3.

Sunflower Children Hosts Third Annual Charity Poker Tournament, Fashion, and Sports Gala

The Third Annual Sunflower Charity Poker, Fashion and Sports Gala will take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, New York on November 6, 2009, from 6PM to 1AM. Hosted by Gala Chair Tim Kelly, Helena Houdova, Paulina Porizkova, Lane Carlson, Russell Simmons, Quincy Jones, and Jamie Gold, the highly anticipated black tie affair will include cocktails, hors d'oeuvre s, a live deejay, and gift bags for VIP guests. Proceeds will benefit Sunflower Children’s “Save A Baby” Campaign and generate revenue for the Sunflower Children of the World Fund. 

The Third Annual Sunflower Charity Poker, Fashion and Sports Gala will be themed “Monte Carlo in New York,” featuring a Texas hold’em high-roller’s charity poker tournament, fight ring boxing including five exhibition match performances by Capoiera of Brazil and Muy Thay of Thailand, a fashion show, and live and silent auctions featuring a luxury holiday getaway, tickets to Cannes Film Festival, entry to Fashion Fantasia, and other exciting packages.  

Sunflower Children is an international family of non-governmental humanitarian aid organizations providing survival and development care for disadvantaged children throughout the world. 

For more information on Third Annual Sunflower Charity Poker, Fashion and Sports Gala visit http://www.sunflowerchildren.org/event/monte+carlo+ny.

About Sunflower Children

Sunflower Children has successfully launched the “Save A Baby” Campaign and has an incredible 98% success rate in delivering and maintaining HIV-Free babies in Cambodia. Our goal is to raise [US] 5.5 million dollars by 2011 to save an estimated 5,500 babies from a lifetime of HIV in countries where there is minimal support for HIV+ expectant mothers. Ninety percent of HIV+ children are infected by their mothers, yet simple and inexpensive treatment administered within the first 72 hours of a baby’s life has proven to dramatically reduce transmission of HIV from mother to child.  For more information on Sunflower Children visit http://www.sunflowerchildren.org. 

Poker Players and Hollywood Celebrities Ante Up for Children's Institute

Children's Institute, Inc., held its First Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament on Saturday, October 17th, at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. The event was hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe winner Camryn Manheim of "Ghost Whisperer" and emceed by World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold. Naearly $75,000 was raised for the charity.

More than 20 celebrities participated in the tournament benefiting The Children’s Institute, including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jamie Kennedy, Kevin Nealon, Joely Fisher, Mekhi Phifer, Cheri Oteri, Mimi Rogers, Allison Sweeney, Cheryl Hines of "Curb Your Enthusiasm, Jennie Garth, Nicholas Gonzalez, Ricki Lake, and “Desperate Housewives” Kevin Rahm and Tuc Watkins. 

Hines, Lake, Rahm, and Watkins made it to the final table, with  Rahm and Watkins sparring for top prizes. Watkins prevailed to take home the grand prize, including $5,000 and this years CII Celebrity Poker Tournament title.

Children’s Institute, Inc. helps children who have been affected by violence in their homes or communities. Since 1906, CII has served at-risk children and families in some of Los Angeles’ most devastated neighborhoods. CII provides healing and support so that traumatized children can recover and lead healthy lives. We lead children away from tragic outcomes and on a path toward opportunity and achievement.

for more information on Children's Institute, Inc., visit http://childrensinstitute.org/ or contact Julie Watt at 310-656-4668

Top Sports Bloggers and Poker Celebrities Join Annie Duke for Blogs With Balls Charity Shootout Benefiting Ante Up for Africa

On Friday, October 16th, professional poker players and top sports bloggers representing ESPN, Fox Sports, Yahoo, AOL, Sports Illustrated, Gawker Media, Yardbarker, SB Nation, and many more came together for Blogs with Balls, a charity poker shootout at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Poker Lounge. The fundraiser was held in conjunction with the BlogWorld & New Media 2009 Expo in Las Vegas.

Event photos and highlights are available for viewing and download at http://www.gwphotostore.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?direct=CHARITY_POKER/Blogs_With_Big_Balls&img=0.

The 100-person no-limit hold’em shootout event, sponsored in part by Carbon Poker, boasted ten tables, each represented by  sports media companies competing against poker legends, including Annie Duke, Jennifer Harman, Andy Bloch, Jeff Madsen, Bryan Devonshire, Gavin Smith, James Van Alstyne, Jon Friedberg, Karina and Chip Jett, Marco Traniello, “Who’s Your Daddy” CEO Dan Fleyshman, and Brandon Rosen of Post Oak Productions. High profile bloggers included AJ Daulerio of Deadspin, Matt Ufford of With Leather/Warming Glow/KSK, Josh Zerkle from With Leather/KSK, Jamie Mottram, Greg Wyshynski and JE Skeets from Yahoo, Chris Mottram and Spencer Hall from SB Nation, and this year’s Blogs With Balls event coordinator Dan Levy from On the DL Podcast and The Sporting Blog. 

Bounty prizes were placed on many of the celebrity players, including a Netbook courtesy of SB Nation. All ten shootout table winners each received a generous prize package, including a one-year subscription to Sports Illustrated Magazine, a bottle of Crown Royal, EA Sports game video discs, and a Carbon Poker hoodie. Adam Best of Fansided.com took home the grand prize package -  a bottle of Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, a Carbon Poker 'Last Blogger Standing' prize pack, and a lifetime subscription to Sports Illustrated Magazine.

The event raised awareness and $10,000 for Ante Up for Africa, a charity founded by Duke and award-winning actor Don Cheadle to aid relief and support human rights efforts in Darfur.

About Blogs with Balls

Blogs with Balls is a series of social sports blogger and new media gatherings featuring speakers and panelists specifically focused on sports fans, writers, sites, teams, athletes and companies; and their ability to maximize new media outlets for promotion and advancement. In addition to writers and executives from the largest online sports outlets on the web, speakers at BwB 2.0 at the Blog-World & New Media Expo include former NBA star Jalen Rose, television, web and print personality Kevin Blackistone,

representatives from ESPN and The Sports Illustrated Group, Sacramento Kings VP of Communications Mitch Germann, and many more. For a full list of speakers, panelists and scheduled discussion topics, please visit blogswithballs.com/panels-20. For more

information on Blog World & New Media Expo, please visit http://blogworldexpo.com.

What Happens at BlogsWithBalls in Vegas... from HHR on Vimeo.

FOURTH ANNUAL MONTE CARLO NIGHT HUGE SUCCESS AT HOUSE THAT BART SIMPSON BUILT

The Fourth Annual Denim & Diamonds themed Monte Carlo Night took place on Saturday, October 3^rd, with the more than 500 guests in attendance. And, it seems that this party gets better every year. Once again, Nancy Cartwright, dressed in elegant cowgirl regalia, opened her Northridge home to raise additional funds for PALS (Police Activities League Supporters), in order to purchase materials and raise funds for various programs benefiting the Councilman Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center - named after the man who has been so supportive in the efforts of PALS and other organizations. The money raised over the past few years has helped to build a brand new 5,500 square feet youth center, which will proudly open November 2, 2009. The center will provide after school activities and motivational opportunities for potentially “at risk” youth.

Loads of Cartwright’s celebrity friends, professional poker players, as well as a few hundred other people participated in an evening of Texas hold ‘em and other casino games, including black jack, roulette, and craps.

Tom Kenny, the amazing voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, once again lent his talents as emcee of the festivities. Music was provided by the Cody Bryant Band, which certainly added to the country western feel for the evening.  Entertainment included a musical set from Nathan Osmond, another in the long line of amazing Osmond singers.  Nathan previewed many of the songs from his new country CD, including Feels Like Heaven. Songstress Dee Dee O’Malley performed the PALS theme song, which she wrote and debuted last year. The Explorers once again served as Color Guard, which emphasized the positive impact of the programs that PALS and this event support. 

The celebrity guests mixed, mingled, and played Monte Carlo games until the very end of the evening. Kirstie Alley, Camryn Manheim, Yancy Arias, Bill Smitrovich, Kate Linder, Stefanie Schaeffer, Patrick Cassidy, Derrick Williams, Jose Canseco, Dorian Harewood, and others joined 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event winner Jamie Gold, as well as this year’s poker boot camp host Mary Jones, Women in Poker Hall of Fame’s Barbara Enright, as well as poker pros Marsha Waggoner, Kristy Gazes and others.

The top five Tournament winners received seats to a WSOP satellite tournament and full entry to next year’s Monte Carlo night. Other prizes included Polanti watches, Las Vegas show tickets, a Talisman Unlimited necklace and a private lesson with Annie Duke. Mark Eddleman won the 1^st Place Trophy, with the second place prize of $500 going to Mike Armstrong, and the third place went to Marina Baroco. 

Dinner and dancing, including line dancing lessons, along with trick roping and magic performed by Mickey Silver, a cigar lounge, and open bars featuring specialty margaritas and POM mixers, were part of the evening’s activities. The silent auction and Chinese raffle let several people bring home treasures, including jewelry, specialty baskets and celebrity and sports memorabilia. One lucky donator won the bid for lunch with Cartwright.

The evening could not have been possible without the support of many people and sponsors including Innovative Artists, Polanti Watches, Rockstar, Before and After Mints, Wiseman & Burke, Law Offices of Leah Antonio-Ketcham, Esq., H20 Water, LifeSource Water, Fox Television, and many others. 

Road 2 Recovery Monster Energy Charity Poker Tournament

The Road 2 Recovery’s  Fifth Annual  Monster Energy Hold em’ or Fold em’ Charity Poker Tournament held at the M Resort Spa & Casino on October 8th raised more  than $25,000 for the Injured Riders Fund. Jimmy Button hosted the event emceed by Todd Buechler. Chad Brown,  Karina & Chip Jett, Merri Perry, and Steve Wong competed against fans and Freestyle celebrity Mike Mason along with two-time Paralympics 100m Champion Marlon Shirley.  Over the past five years, the poker  industry has helped to raise more than $300,000 for the Injured Riders Fund.

The final table featured Chad Brown and Karina Jett along with participating fans James Smallwood, Jim Tiken, John Paulson, Jim Patterson, Gary Allen, Mariann LeCocq, Jay Wentzel, and Jeff Pugliano  who donated a beautiful Full Boat Poker Table valued at $2,500.

 

James Smallwood became The Fifth Annual Road 2 Recovery Charity Poker Tournament champion, taking home a 50mm watch donated by Rockwell Time,  a 22lb crystal trophy designed by Legacy Alliance, Inc., Skullcandy Headphones, and a Lifebelt Seatbelt.  He also won the $10,000 grand prize entry into the world's most prestigious poker tournament main event. However 6^th place winner Gary Allen paid for James’ entry into the tournament with the stipulation that he would collect the first place prize if James won.

The final table results were:

1st James Smallwood

2nd Jim Tiken 

3rd John Paulson

4th Chad Brown

5th Jim Patterson

6th Gary Allen

7th Mariann LeCocq

8th Jay Wentzel

9th Jeff Pugliano

10th    Karina Jett

 

Fifth Annual  Monster Energy Hold em’ or Fold em’ Charity Poker Tournament was also sponsored by Rockwell Time, Ultimate Bet, Skullcandy, Full Boat Poker Tables, DVS Shoes, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, DC Shoes, Michael’s Action Art, Alpinestars, Leatt Brace, Feld Motor Sports, Racer X, and Wasserman Media Group. Each participant received anUltimate Bet and Monster Energy Swag Bag.  The fundraising event was co-produced by GreasieWheels. Photos are available for viewing and download at www.road2recovery.com orwww.gwphotostore.com.

 

Celebrity Poker Players went a step further in supporting Road 2 Recovery by attending the 2009 US Open Supercross and raising awareness for Road 2 Recovery at the MGM Grand Garden Arena of Las Vegas on October 9^th & 10^th. Jimmy Button, Chad Brown, Jon Friedberg Karina & Chip Jett, and Merri Perry posed for photos and conducted interviews that were streamed live over giant monitors during half-time at the race.

 

The Road 2 Recovery Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded by Bob Moore, Bob Walker, and Jimmy Button in the fall of 2000, and is dedicated to helping professional AMA licensed Motocross/Supercross members sustaining career-ending injuries with financial, motivational, emotional, and spiritual support. To make a donation click here. For more information on Road 2 Recovery and upcoming events visit http://www.road2recovery.com or contact Anita Button at (480) 276-1131.

The M Spa Casino Hosts Monster Energy R2R Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament Sponsored by WSOP Academy and Presented by Rockwell Time

Professional poker players and Supercross celebrities come together for Injured Riders Fund. Prizes sponsored by Sports Legends Challenge 2010, WSOP Academy, and Rockwell Time.

The Fifth Annual Monster Energy Road 2 Recovery Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament (CPT), sponsored by WSOP Academy, and presented by Rockwell Time will take place at The M Spa Casino Poker Room on Thursday, October 8th, at 5:00 p.m. First place prize is a 2010 $10,000 Sports Legends Challenge entry and a Rockwell Time sports watch. Final table prizes include Rockwell sports watches, WSOP Academy certificates, stocked Monster Energy refrigerators, Kicker iKicks, Ogio backpacks, Skullcandy headphones, and dozens of sponsored gear. Select winners will also receive VIP passes to this year’s Supercross events at MGM Grand Garden Arena. 

The Fourth Annual Monster Energy Road 2 Recovery CPT is open to the public. Join Supercross celebrities Jimmy Button, Chad Reed, Grant Langston, Jason Thomas, along with poker professionals Andy Bloch, Jeff Madsen, Jennifer Harman, Marco Traniello, Chad Brown, Marsha Waggoner, Jamie Gold, and Las Vegas socialite Merri Perry. Celebrities will be available for free photo opportunities and autographs.

The event will also include a raffle and silent auction hosted by Road 2 Recovery. 

The cost to enter the tournament is $200, with $100 re-buys available during the first four levels and a $100 add-on for double the starting stack at the end of the re-buy period. 

For more information or to pre-register for the Fifth Annual Monster Energy Road 2 Recovery Celebrity Poker Tournament visit http://www.road2recovery.com. Players may also register anytime at the M Spa Casino Poker Room. Seats are limited. Proceeds benefit the Road 2 Recovery Injured Riders Fund. For more information contact Anita Button at (480) 276-1131. 

The Fifth Annual Monster Energy Road 2 Recovery Celebrity CPT presented by Rockwell Watches at The M Spa Casino is also sponsored by WSOP Academy, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Alpinestars, Leatt Brace, Ogio, Skullcandy, Feld Motor Sports, Racer X, Wasserman Media Group, is supported by CardPlayer Magazine, and is a GreasieWheels production.