GreasieWheels Blog

Peppermill’s NSPC Becomes Final Fling before WSOP Nationally-Televised Event Attracts Poker’s Biggest Stars

By Jen Mastrud

The nationally-televised Nevada State Poker Championship (NSPC) at Reno’s famed Peppermill Casino  was the last stop for many players on their way to the World Series of Poker, attracting established pros such as Antonio Esfandiari, Men “the Master” Nguyen, Kathy Liebert, Dennis Phillips, Darvin Moon, Bryan Devonshire, Jerry Yang, and JJ Liu.  After two days of play, the title and $94,140 went to 39-year-old Gary “Debo” DeBernardi of Bend, Oregon.  Holding the cash on the set of Heartland Poker Tour after just two hands heads up, Debo said he will take some of his winnings to the World Series of Poker in addition to paying off bills. 

For the past five years, DeBernardi has been living the dream as a professional poker player sponsored by one of the top online poker sites.  His world changed April 15th when the U.S. Department of Justice seized the top three sites and DeBernardi’s endorsement deal vanished.  Taking down the Nevada State Poker Championship means he will once again bring home the bacon.  “$94,140 will pay the bills for quite some time,” he said while HPT cameras rolled.

NSPC runner-up Darrel Dier of Sacramento, CA, planned to build his WSOP bankroll with low-limit cash games at Peppermill.  Coerced by friends to take the last seat in a $125 satellite, he won his way into the HPT main event and ultimately earned $47,070. En route to Las Vegas with a bigger bankroll than expected, Dier’s true ROI won’t be known until after the 24-year-old’s run at the WSOP. 

Poker enthusiasts were treated to a “Who’s Who” of celebrity players at Peppermill throughout the weekend.  As part of the Nevada State Poker Championship festivities, Jennifer Harman hosted her fifth annual charity poker tournament to benefit The Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), a no-kill sanctuary.  The weekend’s events kicked off when dozens of poker icons and industry VIPs applauded the unveiling of Peppermill’s newly renovated 30-table poker room.  The entire weekend was filmed for two upcoming episodes of the nationally-syndicated Heartland Poker Tour airing in mid-July.  For station information in your area, visit HPTpoker.com.    

HPT’s television production crew captured several Hollywood stars and celebrated athletes enjoying Peppermill’s poker room and other amenities, including actors Julie Benz, Mekhi Phifer, AJ Lamas, and Dennis Haskins.  Before players got down to business in the Nevada State Poker Championship, socializing crept into the early morning hours at Peppermill’s Tuscany Lounge where Lou Diamond Phillips joined the house band for an impromptu song while Daniel Negreanu took over the dance floor. 

Some four-legged friends got the star treatment when Nevada SPCA companion animals escorted stars on the red carpet just before the charity tournament kicked off.  Some of poker’s most-recognizable personalities including Andy Bloch, Annie Duke, and Lon McEachern spent the afternoon calling, raising, and folding for the cause.  Other notable poker A-listers included Layne Flack, Jamie Gold, Tom Marchese, David Chicotsky, Jeff Madsen, Mark Kroon, Lee Markholt, James Van Alstyne, Jon Friedberg, Dan Michalski, Chris Hanson, Jaymz Larson, Lizzy Harrison, Anjela Brunson, Kevin Mathers, Linda Johnson, and Jan Fisher. 

Matt Vinks of Martinez, California emerged as the overall champion from a field of 568 participants in the charity tournament, earning an enviable prize package exceeding $10,000 in value.  A handful of sponsors gifted the champ coveted prizes such as a $1,650 HPT main event seat, a Grrrinders.com diamond membership, a $3500 Rockwell Time watch, a custom-designed Lord Griffon bracelet, a $3,000 L.A. Racing VIP experience for six people, a $1,200 sculpture courtesy of Black Tai Salt Co., and Lou Gehrig limited edition art valued at $800.

DeBernardi and Vinks aside, the biggest winners of the weekend were the animals in need.  The charity event, a GreasieWheels production, raised over $100,000 for the Nevada SPCA.  Fundraising got a boost from the Pacific Auction Company which coordinated a massive silent auction on property.  Additionally, Robert Williamson III led a live auction featuring an autographed guitar donated by Sir Elton John.  While all participants opened their wallets, some opened their hearts and homes.  All available animals were adopted on site with the exception of a goat.  HPT’s commentator Fred Bevill joked on Twitter, “Per usual, my Sunday morning is spent nursing a hangover and wondering how a goat got in my room. Just another weekend with @HPTpokertour.” 

To adopt a lonely goat or make a donation to the Nevada SPCA, please visit http://www.nevadaspca.org

-Jen Mastrud is the General Manager and Director of Public Relations for HPT.  Follow HPTJen on Twitter.

HPT Televised Jennifer Harman CPT Poker Throw Down at Reno Peppermill Raises More Than $100,000 for Nevada SPCA

LIPS Lord Griffon of Las Vegas wins team Poker Throw Down competition, with Matt Vinks of Martinez, California taking home overall individual prize.

On Saturday, 21 May, HPT filmed the most exciting team and individual poker competition for television.  Poker pros, Hollywood celebrities, Olympic and MMA athletes, and industry VIPs made the trek to Reno, descending on the Peppermill Resort Hotel & Casino for the fifth annual Jennifer Harman Charity Poker
Tournament (JHCPT) benefiting the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Nevada SPCA). The  tournament featuring the Poker Throw Down team and individual format was sponsored by Reno Peppermill, Rockwell Time, Grrrinders.com, Konami, IGT, Nike, ProSource, and Lord Griffon, and raised more than $100,000 for the charity.

Notable poker pro participants included Jennifer Harman, Daniel Negreanu, Annie Duke, Andy Bloch, Layne Flack, Jamie Gold, Tom Marchese, David Chicotsky, Jerry Yang, Jeff Madsen, Men Nguyen, Mark Kroon, Gary DeBarnardi, Dennis Phillips,  Darvin Moon, Antonio Esfandiari, Lee Markholt, Kathy Liebert, Joanne “JJ” Liu, Bryan Devonshire, James Van Alstyne, and Jon Friedberg. Notable celebrities included Julie Benz, Lou Diamond Phillips, Robert Jayne, Chauncey Leopardi, Yancey Arias, Christopher Ashworth, Adrian Paul,
Mekhi Phifer, Jason Chambers, Jennifer Elise Cox, Dori Rosenthal, AJ Lamas, Dennis Haskins, Samantha Ryan, Liz Friedman, Paulo Benedetti, and Nicholas Gonzalez. Industry VIPs included “AlCantHang,” HPT’s Chris Hanson, HPT’s Fred Bevill and Jaymz Larson, Lizzy Harrison, Anjela Brunson, Kevin “Kevmath” Mathers, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and 2008 JHCPT Champion Seth Dupree. Notable athletes included Ross Powers, Nate Holland, and Mason Aguirre.

Sporting custom branded jerseys, 25 spirited teams from all across the southwest entered Peppermill’s 
  Tuscany Event Center and walked the red carpet directed by Miller/Brown Productions and hosted by poker media personalities Melissa Castello and Eddy Sebat. Escorted by celebrity captains and companion animals, teams posed for complimentary photos courtesy Rob Gracie of GreasieWheels. Pacific Auction Company hosted a giant silent auction and the Nevada SPCA raised additional funds through its retail center.

The tournament, emceed by Alex Outhred and George Kozel, commenced at 1PM
and was directed by David Lamb. Following three re-buy and add-on periods, Robert “Mr. Omaha” Williamson III led a live auction featuring an autographed guitar donated by Sir Elton John and his band. A total of 568 tournament participants competed for individual prizes, along with more than 500 pot sweeteners, bounties, and giveaways courtesy Grrrinders.com, Frends, FullTilt,  NIke, Lakeside Inn, and Lucky’s Barbershop. All participants received a Nike backpack tote. 

By 8:15PM, play had reached the final table. The top ten finishers were Matt Vinks from Martinez, Joe Tehan of Las Vegas, Debbie Espe of Dallas, Jim Bradley and Lance Donnel of Reno, Kathy Stahl of  San Ramon, Rob Arcania, Andrew Barber, and Emilio Porcalla of Sacramento, Mike LaBarbera of San Jose, Jerry Yang of Madera, and Paris Justice.   
Each were awarded $1,650 Nevada State Championship HPT televised Main Event seats, Grrrinders.com Gold subscriptions, and sports watches courtesy Rockwell Time. The total value of final table product and service prizes exceeded $61,000.

 Barber, Yang, LaBarbera, Arcania, Stahl, Donnel, 
and Bradley went out in tenth through fourth places respectfully. Debbie Espe was the next to be eliminated, winning “Last Woman Standing”  prizes, including a silver and gemstone necklace courtesy Lord Griffon Jewelry and a Ladies of Poker Wear gift basket. In heads up action, Matt Vinks of Martinez   eliminated poker pro Joe Tehan of Las Vegas for the win. In addition to Rockwell Time watches valued at  $3,500 apiece and HPT Main Event Seats, Tehan and Vick were each awarded silver and gemstone custom designed Lord Griffon bracelets. Vick’s individual participant grand prize included a Grrrinders.com Diamond membership, a $3,000 L.A. Racing VIP Experience  for six persons, a giant illuminated sculpture courtesy Black Tai Salt Co., and Lou Gehrig limited edition art valued at $800.

 Following the tournament, players, teams, and celebrities gathered for the third annual Poker Throw Down party inside Peppermill’s Terrace Lounge featuring live entertainment and complimentary cocktails. Casino General Manager George Kisler was master of ceremonies. Overall individual winner Matt Vinks posed before a packed crowd with his crystal trophy created by Seaena.

Bronze medals and the third place crystal team trophy went to Players Club Casino of Ventura, California, owned by Bill Kracht and led by celebrity team captain Joe Tehan. Silver team medals and the second place crystal team trophy went to Lucky’s Mens Club & Barber  Shop owned by Aaron  Ralls and led by an elated Jennifer Elise Cox. LIPS Lord Griffon Two owned by Lupe Soto and led by celebrity captain Joanne “JJ” Liu was crowned the 2011 Poker Throw Down team champions, receiving gold medals and the first place crystal team trophy. Members of all three winning teams will receive Grrrinders.com memberships and FullTilt duffles. The LIPS Lord Griffon Two team champions will receive the “Pro For A Day” grand prize and have its team photo published in the next issue of Ante Up Magazine.

This fall, selected segments of the JHCPT Poker Throw Down will be  included in HPT’s national television programming, available in over 100 million homes across America, on a syndicated network including DIRECTV and Dish Network stations. 

Additional JHCPT in-kind donators included Rockwell Time, Lord Griffon, www.ProSourcePromos.com, www.Grrrinders.com, Guice Energy Gum, Custom Jewelry by Nancy Humphrey, Scentsy, Buddha Balm, Body Essentials, Calico Dragon, EatStrong, Quad Queens, Happy House, World Series of Barbecue, Poker Players Alliance (PPA), MyExpressFreight.com, Frends, ProSource, Players Club Casino, Lakeside Inn, Lucky’s Mens Club & Barbershop, and GreasieWheels. All proceeds benefited the Nevada SPCA.

The 2011 Poker Throw Down is  a GreasieWheels production. Complimentary photos are available for viewing and download by visiting www.GWphotostore.com.

For more information, ways you can help, or to make a donation, visit http://www.nevadaspca.org.

Read AlCantHang and Lizzy Harrison's entertaining account of events by clicking here.

MMA Legend Randy Couture Hosts Charity Poker Tournament and Halloween Bash at Golden Nugget

Third Annual “Operation All In” fundraiser for Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation

Mixed Martial Arts legend Randy “The Natural” Couture will host the third annual “Operation All In” charity poker tournament and auction fundraiser benefiting the Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas, Saturday, Oct. 30 starting at 2 p.m in The Grand events center.

This event is open to the public and will include; a celebrity charity poker tournament featuring professional poker players, MMA and Hollywood celebrities; live and silent auctions offering MMA memorabilia, and dinner with Couture and a one-hour personal MMA lesson; autograph sessions with photo opportunities; raffle prizes; and a Halloween after party inside Gold Diggers. Proceeds will benefit injured US soldiers.

Confirmed participants include MMA fighters include Randy Couture, Tyson Griffin, Ryan Couture, Martin Kampmann, Gray Maynard, Jason Ron, Ray Sefo, Mike Pyle and John Alessio, David Zayas of “Dexter” and “The Expendables,” pop artist Michael Godard, and professional poker players Howard Lederer,  Andy Bloch, Layne Flack, Jon Friedberg, Gavin Smith, Perry Friedman, Antonio Esfandiari, James Mordue, Todd Brunson, Nick and Michael Binger, Dutch Boyd, Lacey Jones, Matt Savage, and “Donk Down Radio” personality Bryan Micon and “Raw Vegas’” Dave Farra.

The winner of the “Operation All In” charity poker tournament will take home $10,000 in cash and top finishers will win valuable sponsored product prizes.

The buy-in for “Operation All In” is $225 with $100 multi re-buys. Tournament participants will also receive free entry to the first annual Randy Couture Halloween bash starting at 8 p.m. inside Gold Diggers nightclub overlooking the Fremont Street Experience. For those not wishing to participate in the poker tournament, general admission tickets to the Halloween bash will be available for $25 at the door.

“Operation All In” is sponsored and supported by Deepstacks, Poker Players Alliance, Full Tilt Poker, Xtreme Couture MMA, Lord Griffon, Godard Art, and the Golden Nugget.

Seats are limited. Tournaments seats may be purchased in advance inside the Golden Nugget Poker Room, by calling (702) 386-8383 or (800) 777-4658, ext. 8164, or by email at poker@goldennugget.com. Participants may also register on the day of the event. For more information visit www.xtremecouturegifoundation.org or www.goldennugget.com.

Darius Goes West Announces Charity Poker Tournament at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

Darius Weems joins professional poker players Bryan Devonshire and Gavin Smith for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) fundraiser at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino October 2nd.

 

In 1966, celebrity comedian Jerry Lewis introduced an entire generation to muscular dystrophy with the longest running telethon fundraiser. “But, young people have never heard of Jerry Lewis,” says Darius Weems, a Georgia native of the Athens projects born with the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) genetic disorder. Weems, determined to raise awareness, has touched today’s youth with “Darius Goes West, a documentary that traces the real-life journey of a 15-year-old as he and his crew travel west in hopes of participating on MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” TV show. Rather than dwelling on his fatal disease, Weems, with the help of eleven young friends, has documented a courageous trek. “Darius Goes West” has won awards from 28 independent film festivals, has been viewed by millions, and raised much-needed funds for DMD research.  

 

On Saturday, October 2nd, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will present the Darius Goes West Charity Poker Tournament, hosted by Darius Weems and his talented crew, along with professional poker players Bryan Devonshire and Gavin Smith. A red carpet walk and silent auction will start at 4PM. The no-limit Texas hold’em tournament will start at 5PM. The cost to enter the tournament is $200 + $20. There will be unlimited $50 re-buys available during the first three 30-minute levels and a one-time $50 add-on for twice the starting stack. Fifty percent of the initial buy-in, combined with generous product donations, will be distributed among money winners. Fifty percent of the initial buy-in, re-buys and add-ons, along with general event proceeds, will benefit DMD research.    

 

For more information, tournament structure, prizes, and seat reservations visit http://www.greasiewheels.com/events. The Darius Goes West charity poker tournament is a GreasieWheels production.

 

Note:

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Darius Goes West Charity Poker Tournament.

First place               Dutch Boyd of Las Vegas, NV

Second place          Rob Gracie of Las Vegas, NV

Third place              David Plastik of Las Vegas, NV

Fourth place            Levy Yoel of Las Vegas, NV

Fifth place               Layne Flack of Las Vegas, NV

Sixth place              Ray F. Deegan of Billings, MO

Seventh place        Aaron Goin of Elezibeth, CO

Eighth place           Logan Smalley of Athens, GA

Ninth place            Darius Weems of Athens, GA

Cracked Aces        Donna Lawton of Ogden, Utah

Last Woman Standing Annie LePage of Las Vegas, NV 

 

About Darius Goes West

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the number one fatal genetic disease to affect children in the world. Experts are in agreement that Duchenne could be treated or cured in the not too distant future. The primary goal of the Darius Goes West foundation is to catalyze that effort. The continuing story of Darius Goes West, his crew, and the tens of thousands of supporters they have met along their travels can be experienced at http://www.dariusgoeswest.org/. This website is continually updated with short videos, blog posts, and innovative initiatives that aim to affect a cure for DMD.

Eldorado Hosts Deep Stack Poker Events Through Monday

For players in the Northern California/Nevada region looking for action this week, Eldorado Hotel Casino  is hosting deep stack poker tournaments through Monday. The summer series kicks off Wednesday at noon with the daily $200 no-limit hold'em event and continues through Sunday. Eldorado is adding $5,000 to the first event prize pool and a total of $20,000 to the series.

Saturday's schedule is jam packed, starting with the no-limit hold'em championship event number 8 at noon, the LIPS Tour $100 + $25 ladies no-limit hold'em bounty tournament at 4PM, followed by a $100 no-limit hold'em event at 7PM.

Sunday features a $200 "Beat the Boss" event hosted by Gregg Carano and Margie Heintz, each worth a $1,500 bounty. Other prizes and pot sweeteners will also be included.

Eldorado is offering the first 100 callers a reduced room rate starting at $35 for deluxe/standard accommodations. Call (800) 232-5825 and ask for the "Summer Poker Tournament" offer and use code "OSPT".

For more information and a schedule of events visit http://www.eldoradoreno.com/casino/poker.aspx.

###########  

More About the Eldorado Deep Stack "Hot Fun in the Summertime"

Starting chips for the Noon $225 NLH events will be $10,000 and an additional $2,000 in chips with an optional $10 staff bonus. The $540 NLH event will begin with $12,500 in starting chips and $2,500 additional chips with an optional $10 staff bonus. Rounds are 30 minutes. The $2,500 or $5,000 added cash will be applied to each event's total prize pool.

 

Starting chips for the 4PM tournaments will be $4,000 and an additional $1,000 in chips with an optional $5 staff bonus. Rounds are 30 minutes.

 

Starting chips for the 5PM tournament will be $4,000 and an additional $1,000 in chips with an optional $5 staff bonus. The $2,000 added cash will be applied to the first place prize money only. Rounds are 30 minutes.

 

Starting chips for the 7PM tournaments will be $4,000 and an additional $1,000 in chips with an optional $5 staff bonus. Rounds are 20 minutes.

 

Payouts are based on the number of participants. Three percent of  the prize pool is withheld for poker room staff.  Satellites/Sit and Go’s will be offered throughout the Eldorado Deep Stack event. All participants must be at least 21 years of age and must have a Eldorado Club Card. TDA Tournament Rules apply. Electronic devices and cell phones are not allowed when participants have reached “in the money” in a tournament. Registration will open at 8:30AM on the day of each event.

Women in Poker Hall of Fame Honors Jennifer Harman, Kathy Liebert, and Billie Brown

Golden Nugget Casino Las Vegas hosts third annual induction dinner and dance sponsored by FullTilt Poker, Lord Griffon Jewelry, Oceans 11 and Bicycle Casinos.

The poker industry will celebrate the career accomplishments of three new inductees at this year's  Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) sponsored by Lord Griffon Jewelry and hosted by Golden Nugget Casino on Friday, September 3rd, at 6PM in Las Vegas. Respected poker cash game and tournament players Jennifer Harman and Kathy Liebert will join the elite roster of time-honored women at the third annual dinner and dance. A lifetime achievement induction will be posthumously awarded to poker industry visionary Billie Brown. 

Mistress of Ceremony and 2009 Inductee Jan Fisher will open festivities with a red carpet walk featuring 2010 inductees Jennifer Harman and Kathy Liebert. Also attending are 2008 and 2009 honorees Suzie Isaacs, Marsha Waggoner, Linda Johnson, Barbara Enright, June Field, and Cyndy Violette, along with industry VIPs, celebrities, and fellow poker players.

The glamorous white linen gala allows guests to enjoy no-host cocktails, music, and dinner. A silent auction will open at 6 PM. All proceeds will benefit Poker Gives. Poker Gives is a component fund of 501(c)(3) Nevada Community Foundation of Las Vegas, Nevada.

The event is open to the public and will take place inside the Golden Nugget Casino's Grand Ballroom. Tickets are $75 if purchased in advance at www.womeninpokerhalloffame.com and $90 at the door. A special room rate is available by mentioning LIPS tournament group code. Call 1-800-634-3454 for reservations.

Sponsors and supporters include FullTilt Poker, Lord Griffon Jewelry, Ocean's 11 Casino, The Bicycle Casino, Quad Queens, English Garden Florist, and GreasieWheels.com. The 2010 WiPHoF is a LIPS and Poker Public Relations production.

To continue the celebration of women in poker, the US Ladies Poker Championship $500+ $50 no-limit hold’em event will take place at the Golden Nugget Grand Ballroom and start at noon on Saturday, September 4th, continuing through September 5th. This event will be broadcast live over internet.
To read more about this year’s WiPHoF inductees visit www.womeninpokerhalloffame.com.

Contact:
Lupe Soto
lupe@lipstour.com

Las Vegas Charity Events Raise $120,000 for Road 2 Recovery Foundation

The Road 2 Recovery® (R2R) Foundation celebrated its biggest fundraisers of the year last weekend, including charity poker and golf tournaments in Las Vegas, and an Ebay auction. All combined, the events raised more than $120,000 in memory of the fallen and support of injured riders and their families. A portion of the proceeds were specifically designated to the Andrew McFarlane fund. McFarlane suffered fatal injuries on Sunday, May 2nd during a practice run at the MX Nationals in Bradford, Australia. It would have been his final season after announcing his retirement earlier this year.

The Monster Energy® AMA Supercross Charity Poker Tournament took place on Thursday, May 6th, at the Hard Rock Poker Lounge. The first place prize and $2,500 cash award went to popular artist and Las Vegas resident Michael Godard. Jimmy Lavorci placed second and R2R founder Jimmy Button finished in third place. The top twenty finishers received unforgettable products courtesy Hard Rock Poker Lounge, Monster Energy, Feld Motor Sports, Rockwell Time, Skullcandy, Ogio, DVS, Liquid Force, XBalm, Maxxis, Metal Mulisha, FullTilt, UB, and more.

Friday kicked off the 11th Annual Monster Energy® Golf Classic at the Desert Pines Golf Club in Vegas. Twenty-seven foursomes participated in a what was described as a “fierce” competition. First place went to the WMG team of Steve Astephen, Jeremy McGrath, Taylor Massey and Chad Reed prevailed. The same team recaptured their title after losing it last year to the Franklin Law/One Industries Team. In second place, and back only one stroke, was the Feld Motor Sports Cross Club Team of Jeff McBride, Eve Wolf, Robert Church, and Dana Kellstrom. In a close finish for 3rd was Jared Merrell, Josh Merrell, Leonard Duro, and Carey Hart of Team J Star Motors. The Franklin Law/One Industries Team took fourth place.

In addition to the poker and golf events, the R2R Foundation auctioned off collectibles and souvenirs on Ebay.

Photos are available for viewing and download at www.GWphotostore.com.

The Road 2 Recovery Foundation is dedicated to helping AMA licensed professional motocross/supercross riders with financial assistance if they sustain career ending injuries as well as providing motivational, emotional and spiritual support to these individuals and their families. For more information and sponsorship opportunities contact Road 2 Recovery at 480-276-1131 or info@road2recovery.com.

Photo of Andrew McFarlane courtesy Stephen Piper/MCNEWS.com.au.

Charity poker tournament photos courtesy Rob Gracie/GreasieWheels.com.

Contact:

Anita Button

Special Events Coordinator

Road 2 Recovery Foundation

anita@road2recovery.com

Charity Poker Tournament Honors Fallen Motocross Sports Legend

The JDR Motorex KTM racing team lost one of their brightest stars when sports legend Andrew McFarlane  suffered fatal injuries on Sunday, May 2nd during a practice run at the MX Nationals in Bradford, Australia. It would have been McFarlane’s final season after announcing his retirement earlier this year.

In memory of the fallen, and in support of injured riders and their families, The Hard Rock Poker Lounge Las Vegas and Feld Motor Sports℠ will host the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Charity Poker Tournament on Thursday, May 6th at 8:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Road 2 Recovery Foundation and McFarlane’s family.

The cost to enter the tournament is $150. Unlimited $50 re-buys will be available during the first three levels, as well as a one-time add-on for twice the starting stack. Skullcandy and supporting sponsors will distribute gift bags valued at more than $100 to all participants.
 
The winner of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Charity Poker Tournament will receive $2,500 plus sponsored prizes, second place is $1,250 plus sponsored prizes, and third place is $750 plus sponsored prizes. The top twenty finishers will receive unforgettable products courtesy Hard Rock Poker Lounge, Monster Energy, Feld Motor Sports, Rockwell Time, Skullcandy, Ogio, DVS, Liquid Force, Metal Mulisha, FullTilt, UB, and more. 

A silent auction will feature popular works from Michael Godard, a Ryan Villopoto custom Cannondale carbon fiber bike, a Ryan Sheckler autographed skateboard, AP Designs custom painted and autographed helmets, a Redskins football helmet autographed by Coach Gibbs, and a Monster Energy 2011 Supercross series VIP tickets package valued at $10,000.

In a public statement, Road 2 Recovery founder and Supercross icon Jimmy Button had this to say about McFarlane. “All of us in the industry are family. Andrew was the ultimate professional and part of that. It’s our duty to rally around those left behind. We want to help his wife Nathalie and daughter with upcoming financial and emotional hardships, while focusing on a long-term program.” He added, “Our hearts and thoughts go out to his entire family.”
To make a donation and/or reserve your seat for the tournament visit https://www.road2recovery.com/secure/registration_poker.asp.

About Road 2 Recovery℠
The Road 2 Recovery is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping AMA licensed professional motocross/supercross riders with financial assistance if they sustain career ending injuries as well as providing motivational, emotional and spiritual support to these individuals and their families. For more information and sponsorship opportunities contact Road 2 Recovery at 480-276-1131 or info@road2recovery.com.

Photo courtesy Stephen Piper/MCNEWS.com.au

Summer Series Poker and Gaming Expo Moves to Las Vegas Fremont Street Experience

Every summer, thousands of visitors, poker players, and fans flock to Las Vegas to participate in the world’s largest and most prestigious poker series. And though a season highlight, the “Pokerpalooza” will not be included in this year’s calendar of events. Poker Public Relations, founded by a popular group of veteran gaming entrepreneurs, in cooperation with the Fremont Street Experience, will treat participants, residents, and visitors to what promises to be the grandest gaming and lifestyle exposition to date. Over four days, beginning on Thursday, June 24th and running through Sunday, June 27th, downtown Las Vegas will be the site of the “Fremont Street Poker and Gaming Expo” (FSG Expo).

The five-block entertainment complex located in historical downtown Las Vegas attracts millions of visitors every year. With direct pedestrian access to ten casinos, 60 restaurants, specialty retail, and free nightly entertainment, it’s the ideal location for exhibitors and attendees.

The “Fremont Street Poker and Gaming Expo” will boast several merchant friendly features, including poker and gaming related and lifestyle brands. The current non-compete enforcement will no longer be in effect, and the merchant/vendor fair welcomes innovative competing brands, products, and services. The “Fremont Street Poker and Gaming Expo" will include a free-to-the-public scavenger hunt, daily tournaments, four days of festive food and drink, live entertainment, and more.


Exhibitors are encouraged to advertise to create brand awareness, announce new products, and demonstrate for immediate consumer feedback. Merchants and exhibitors will enjoy four days of targeted sales, along with marketing and media opportunities. Buyers can take advantage of free and open enterprise resulting in drastic product and service competitions and price reductions. Visitors will experience historical downtown Las Vegas with its legendary casinos, free entertainment, and old-fashioned gambling hospitality. All combined, the “Fremont Street Poker and Gaming Expo” will be the highlight of lifestyle and gaming and the perfect visitors haven.

Interested sponsors, exhibitors, merchants, and visitors may visit http://www.fremontstreetgamingexpo.com/. For inquiries, write info@fsgexpo.com.

About Poker Public Relations
Poker Public Relations was created to accommodate the gaming industry - with consulting and marketing expertise, online poker integration, high-profile tournament and fundraiser coordination, endemic and non-endemic sponsor solicitation, talent management, and niche fulfillment.

Contact:

Lupe Soto
lupe@pprinfo.com

Lisa Wheeler
lisa@pprinfo.com

Peppermill Reno Hosts Jennifer Harman US Throw Down Poker Championship Benefiting National Kidney Foundation

On Saturday, May 8th, the newly renovated Peppermill Resort Casino, along with professional poker  player and two-time kidney recipient Jennifer Harman, will host the second annual Throw Down Poker Championship benefiting the National Kidney Foundation, sponsored by IGT. The no-limit hold’em event will take place in conjunction with Peppermill’s Nevada State Poker Championship directed by Mike Gainey. Supporting casinos include Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and Grand Sierra Resort. The 2010 Throw Down poker competition includes a unique team format that unites casinos and card rooms across the Southwest, yet also allows for individual player participation.

Confirmed professional poker players and team captains include US Throw Down host Jennifer Harman, Howard Lederer, Andy Bloch, Marco Traniello, Antonio Esfandiari, Hoyt Corkins, David “The Maven” Chicotsky, Gavin Smith, Cyndy Violette, 2010 WPT World Champion David Williams, Mark “P0kerH0” Kroon, Mark Gregorich, Paul Wasicka, Gary “Debo” DeBernardi, CardPlayer.com’s “Under The Gun” host Jon Friedberg, Jeff Madsen, Pam Brunson, Marsha Waggoner, Karina Jett, Kristy Gazes, Susie Isaacs, Layne “Back to Back” Flack, Bryan Devonshire, Esther Rossi, David Plastik, Allen “Chainsaw” Kessler, Annie LePage, and Lee Watkinson. Celebrity captains include “The Sopranos” Robert Iler, “Saved By The Bell” Dennis Haskins, VH1 Host Craig “CJ” Jackson, US Olympian Ross Powers, Lacey Jones, two-time Olympian Nate Holland, Sam “Mindset Guru” Chauhan, “Amazing Race” Tiffany Michelle and Maria Ho, “Real World” Trishelle Cannatella, “The Backup Plan” Jennifer Elise Cox, and World Champion snowboard icon Jeff Brushie.

Two types of prize packages will be awarded. All tournament participants will be competing for individual prizes. The grand prize awarded to the overall individual winner of the Jennifer Harman CPT is a 2010 $10,000 seat to the world’s most prestigious poker tournament main event happening this summer in Las Vegas. The top ten individual finishers will receive entries to the Nevada State Championship Main Event hosted by Peppermill on May 9th, along with exciting sponsored prizes courtesy of Curtis & Co., Atlantis, IGT, “The MavenVT,” “MindsetVT.com,” Horizons Carnival Cruises, The Peppermill, Spa Toscana, Life’s A Bluff, Quad Queens, Scentsy, and more. Twelfth through twentieth place finishers will receive $100 gift certificates and enhanced swag bags. “Last Woman Standing,” “Cracked Aces,” and pro/celebrity bounty prizes are sponsored by Sentsy, FullTilt, and the Peppermill. 

Representative ten-player teams will compete for the top three team prize packages, including a team trophy, individual team-member medals, special promotions, team prize packages, and national branding opportunities.

The cost for each ten-player team is $2,500. The team entry package includes custom branded commemorative jackets for each team member, ten tournament entries, ten complimentary tickets to the exclusive VIP party hosted by Peppermill’s Resort Terrace Lounge on the evening of May 7th, a team walk along the red carpet on May 8th, official team photos, and complimentary gift bags courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation. Teams will earn points based on each team members finish. Savage Tournaments will tally the points to determine the top three teams. Each team player will also qualify for individual prizes. Individual entry to the Jennifer Harman US Poker Throw Down is $230 and includes entry to the tournament and a chance to compete for individual prizes.

More than 300 participants and 40 poker pros and celebrities are confirmed and seats are selling fast. Participating casinos across the Southwest include Capitol Casino, Lakeside Inn, Bay 101, Commerce Casino, Palace Reno, John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Phoenix Hotel Casino, Casino Marysville, Montbleu Lake Tahoe, supporting properties Atlantis and Grand Sierra, and host property Peppermill Resort Casino. Check with your local casino or card room about qualifying satellites starting as low as $30.

Visit http://www.jenniferharmancpt.com for tournament details, updated celebrity roster, prizes, and to register.

For team registration contact Gina Trampusch at ginatrampusch@aol.com. Participants may take advantage of Peppermill discounted room rates using group code EM1NKF1. For more information about the National Kidney Foundation visit http://www.kidneynca.org. The 2010 US Throw Down Competition is a GreasieWheels production.

Contact:Gina Trampusch
NKF Event Coordinator
ginatrampusch@aol.com

Julia Jeffers-Peaua
Communications Peppermill Resort Spa Casino - Reno
jjeffers-peaua@peppermillcas.com

Abby Vlautin
NKF Event Manager
abby@kidneynca.org

Christopher S. Kelley
NKF Division President
chris@kidneynca.org