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.

GreasieWheels Announces Jennifer Harman Throw Down Charity Poker Tournament Hosted by Peppermill Reno

On Saturday, May 21st, Peppermill Resort Casino will host the fifth annual Jennifer Harman Celebrity Poker Tournament (JHCPT) benefiting the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Nevada SPCA) No-Kill Shelter. The JHCPT Reno is also celebrating its third annual Throw Down - the most exciting team competition in history. With participation doubling each year, the 2011 JHCPT is expected to reach 1,000 participants. 

The JHCPT will take place in conjunction with the Nevada State Poker Championship, and will be included in Heartland Poker Tour’s (HPT) fall line-up of televised programming available in over 100 million homes across America. All proceeds will benefit the Nevada SPCA. Past JHCPT contributions have allowed the sanctuary to extend its community outreach program, build awareness around the no-kill movement, and expand its facility with the official unveiling of the “Jennifer Harman Wing” in 2008.

“The best thing about having a pet is experiencing their unconditional love,” says Harman. “The Nevada SPCA ensures these once abandoned and abused animals are cared for, adopted, or live humanely in its no-kill shelter for the rest of their lives. Everyone who participates is actually saving a life, and that means so much to me.”

The Throw Down poker competition features a unique ten-player team format, yet also allows for individual player participation. Each team is piloted by a celebrity or pro poker player and the Throw Down points system determines the top three finishing teams. 

The poker tournament features both a Throw Down team and individual player award system. The top three teams will receive team trophies, prize packages, medals, and Throw Down packs. The top 100 finishers will each receive valuable prizes. Additional prizes include “bounties” on pros and celebrities, “pot sweeteners,” “Last Woman Standing,” “Cracked Aces,” “Most Re-Buys,” and “On the Bubble.”   The no-limit hold’em JHCPT buy-in is $200 + $30 for individuals, and $2,500 per team. To register, visit http://www.jenniferharmancpt.com. 

The team entry fee includes a poker pro or celebrity appointed team captain, a red carpet walk, official team photos, and ten each; custom branded jerseys, JHCPT entries, commemorative gifts, tickets to the VIP Throw Down party, and complimentary gift bags courtesy the Nevada SPCA and generous product sponsors. Visit our team captain page to view confirmed celebrities and pros. 

Fundraising activities include a Pacific Auction Company silent auction starting at 11AM, the JHCPT at 1PM, and a Throw Down party at 8PM. The Throw Down party features an open bar sponsored by Peppermill Reno inside its elegant Terrace Lounge. Throw Down party entry is $20 for individual participants, $30 general admission, and Throw Down team participants are free. Other activities include a celebrity and team red carpet walk with companion animals, a team procession, and Nevada SPCA’s “Kind Minds” presentation. Visit www.NevadaSPCA.org or www.jenniferharmancpt.com for more information. The 2011 Poker Throw Down Competition is a GreasieWheels production.

About the Nevada SPCA
Nevada SPCA (Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or, Nevada SPCA No-Kill Animal Sanctuary, is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization. Its primary mission is to save and protect animals in need. The Nevada SPCA promotes humane education, makes referrals for low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services to the public, and serves as an advocate by encouraging people to be the best possible guardians for the companion animals in their care. Since its inception in 1982, it proudly maintains a "no kill philosophy," and will save animals that Nevada SPCA can help make healthy and friendly by all reasonable measures. There is no time-limit for all Nevada SPCA animal residents. To adopt an animal, to make a donation, or for more information, please visit the website at www.nevadaspca.org, call (702) 873-7722, or e-mail nevadaspca@aol.com.  

About Peppermill Resort Casino, Reno

The Reno hotel resort and casino has undergone nine major expansions and recently celebrated the grand opening of its $400 million Tuscan-themed expansion featuring a 17-story hotel tower, spa and salon, three new restaurants, pool, garden and nightclub. Reno's premier hotel casino offers 1,630 rooms with 785 suites, 10 unique restaurants, 16 themed bars and lounges, and over 106,000 square feet of convention space. The Peppermill has always been a solid member of the community and has continuously raised the bar for providing an outstanding resort experience in Northern Nevada; garnering hundreds of accolades from community and industry peers and publications including selection as one of the “Top 10 Casinos in America” by MSN with CitySearch. Peppermill Resort Spa Casino’s accomplishments are a true tribute to its leadership and employees. Visit www.PeppermillReno.com for more information.

About HPT
Founded by Todd Anderson and Greg Lang in 2005, Heartland Poker Tour isbuilt on a grass-roots strategy, "Real People, Unreal Money.” HPT providespoker enthusiasts a televised "Texas No Limit Hold'em" poker tour withaffordable buy-ins. HPT is currently filming Season VII and is available inover 100 million US homes each week, in addition to widespread distributionthroughout Europe and the Caribbean. For more information and a completeschedule of upcoming events, visit www.HeartlandPokerTour.com.

About the Poker Throw Down
Debuting 2009 in Reno, Nevada, the Poker Throw Down is a concept developed by Lisa Wheeler, Lupe Soto, and Gina Trampusch. This unique no-limit Texas hold’em poker competition features a ten-player team format, uniting casinos and card rooms across America, yet also allows for individual player participation. Owned and operated by GreasieWheels, the Poker Throw Down is pending trademark with the USPTO, OMB Number 0651-0009 - International Class 041. 

Contact:

Lisa Wheeler
JHCPT Executive Director
info@jenniferharmancpt.com

Joy Miller
Media Director
joyjoy712003@yahoo.com

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

Doug Duke
Executive Director Nevada SPCA
NevadaSPCA@aol.com

Gina Intrieri-Trampusch
JHCPT Event Coordinator
gina@jenniferharmancpt.com

Jen Mastrud
HPT Director of Public Relations
Jen@HeartlandPokerTour.com

 

GreasieWheels Photography Announces Image Gallery Merge

Las Vegas, NEVADA (19 November, 2010) -- GreasieWheels, the industry leader in poker and gaming event  coordination and photography, has recently updated its website by combining two photo houses; www.GWphotos.com and www.GWPhotoStore.com. 

GreasieWheels was named the “Official Photographers” by Harrah’s Entertainment for the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP) and WSOP Europe. Event, Main Event, final table, and lifestyle photos are available for viewing and purchase exclusively at www.GWphotos.com. 

GreasieWheels original photo house, www.GWPhotoStore.com, features special, charity, and gaming events dating back to 2007. To access both galleries, visit www.GreasieWheels.com/images. Each offers visitors viewing, purchasing, Lightroom, and client download capabilities.

“Eventually, we’ll combine all of our galleries onto one website,” stated gaming photo industry and WSOP media veteran Lisa Wheeler. “It’s a pretty big undertaking, but visitors should be able to enjoy a one-stop-shop by summer 2011. Next year we plan to unveil several software upgrades that will further enhance the client, player, and fan experience.”

GreasieWheels is committed to providing consumers with the highest quality imagery. Its elite team includes lead photographer Rob Gracie, executive photographer Jeff Brushie, veteran tournament photo journalist BJ Nemeth, image editor and coordinator Lisa Wheeler, and production coordinator Joy Miller. Josh “Punte” Zerkle of www.withleather.com also contributed at the 2010 WSOP.

About GreasieWheels - Founded November 30, 2007, GreasieWheels is a limited liability company, license number E0840482007-3, with a Certificate of Existence With Status in Good Standing issued 18 October 2010, granted by the Secretary of State, Carson City, Nevada. Founded, owned, and operated by L. Wheeler, GreasieWheels is dedicated to answering photographic production, talent, public relations, and gaming event coordination needs in the poker industry.

GreasieWheels Named Official Photographers of 2010 World Series of Poker Europe

Professional photographer Rob Gracie and industry veterans BJ Nemeth  and Lisa Wheeler to provide WSOPE image coverage at London’s Casino at the Empire.

GreasieWheels, the industry leader in poker and gaming event coordination and photography, is excited to announce its team for this year’s World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) at London’s Casino at the Empire. The lineup includes professional photographer Rob Gracie, industry elite blogger BJ Nemeth, and operations manager Lisa Wheeler. GreasieWheels will provide fans, players, and media with the highest quality imagery available for viewing and purchase at http://www.wsopphotos.com. In addition, Nemeth will provide a daily photo blog throughout the WSOPE no-limit hold’em Championship main event starting September 23rd.

“We’re very excited to be working with Harrah’s Entertainment at this year’s WSOP and WSOPE,” stated GreasieWheels founder and CEO Lisa Wheeler. “We’re always looking for ways to improve our software and coordination capabilities and have recently taken on the challenge of providing image coverage in real-time. Fans and players can look forward to more lifestyle and event photographs from London.” 

BJ Nemeth has been covering tournaments since the 2004 WSOP and is the longest standing live-tournament reporter in the industry. In 2005, he introduced hand-for-hand coverage, and is the lead tournament reporter for the World Poker Tour (WPT). Last year, he changed the way WSOP fans viewed poker photography with his innovative PokerRoad.com photo blog. He's also a panelist on the award-winning "Poker Beat" weekly podcast.

Professional photographer Rob Gracie has shot thousands of photos for online, advertising, and print publications for more than 20 years. His credits include; WSOP 2005-10, High Stakes Poker, Poker After Dark, NBC National Heads-Up Championship and High Stakes Golf; brands Nikon, Budweiser, and Evian; and Sports Illustrated, Time, USA Today, National Geographic Adventure, TransWorld, Bluff, Card Player, PokerPro, and All In magazines.

To view and purchase official 2010 WSOP photos, visit http://www.WSOPphotos.com.

 

GreasieWheels Announces 2010 World Series of Poker Official Photography Team

GreasieWheels, the industry leader in poker and gaming event coordination and photography, announced its team of elite photographers and image specialists at this year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP). GreasieWheels CEO and lead photographer Rob Gracie, along with executive photographer Rob Mathis, have joined forces with Action Sports legend Jeff Brushie and veteran tournament photo journalist BJ Nemeth to provide fans, players, and media with the highest quality imagery available for viewing and purchase at www.WSOPphotos.com. In addition, Nemeth will compile a daily photo blog that links from the landing page of the official www.WSOP.com website.

Rob Gracie has been a professional freelance photographer for more than 20 years. Early in his career, he focused primarily on Action Sports. In 2004, he moved to Las Vegas and quickly became the premier photographer in the poker industry. Thousands of his photos have been published in magazines, catalogs, posters, books, and used in advertising. Credits include Nikon, Budweiser, Evian, Sports Illustrated, Time, USA Today, National Geographic Adventure, and TransWorld.

Rob Mathis has shot for start-up companies since the early 90s, and been the principle photographer for Forum and top snowboard companies since 1998. His work is featured on magazine covers in the US and abroad. His book “Slide” is a chronicle of his early years at Brighton resort. Mathis recently won the Sandisk Photo Sequence award for an image featuring professional snowboarder JP Walker.

Jeff Brushie is one of snowboarding’s most celebrated athletes, and often transitions from celebrity to professional photographer while in the field. His passion for poker and photography began 13 years ago and is clearly reflected in his craft. An official WSOP photographer since 2006, Brushie’s lifestyle photos are a WSOPphotos.com staple. 

BJ Nemeth has been covering tournaments since the 2004 WSOP and is the longest standing live-tournament reporter in the industry. In 2005, he introduced the industry to hand-for-hand coverage, and is the lead tournament reporter for the World Poker Tour (WPT). In 2008 he published “BJ’s Pocket Guide to the WSOP,” popular among players, tournament staff, and media. Last year, he changed the way WSOP fans viewed poker photography with his innovative PokerRoad.com photo blog. Nemeth’s role at the 2010 WSOP is to compile a daily photo blog that links from the landing page of the official www.WSOP.com website. He's also a panelist on the award-winning “Poker Beat” weekly podcast.

photo from left to right - BJ Nemeth, Rob Mathis, Jeff Brushie, Rob Gracie

 

UB and AbsolutePoker’s Second Sundays Raises Funds for Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program

Earlier this month, UB.com and AbsolutePoker.com of the CEREUS Network hosted an online fundraiser benefiting the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai. Both online poker rooms matched the total donations made by tournament participants, raising awareness and a total of $3,440 for the charity.

"I am surprised and humbled by the outpouring of support from UB and AbsolutePoker. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the online poker community and the hundreds of players who participated. All my love, Sharon."

 

All 172 participants automatically qualified for prizes just for entering. First through fourth place “Second Sundays” finishers won entries to CEREUS Network’s $200,000 Guaranteed tournament. “AceUVfire” was the winner, also receiving a Rockwell Time stainless steel sports watch. The limited edition timepiece was specially designed by Rockwell to help raise cancer awareness. Players not qualifying for top prizes were automatically entered into the next day’s second-chance bonus freeroll featuring $1,075 in additional tournament entries.

“Second Sundays” is a series of online fundraisers benefiting national charities. The $10 fundraisers take place on the second Sunday of each month. All participants qualify for prizes just for entering. The events raise needed funds and awareness around deserving causes. The next “Second Sundays” event is scheduled for May 9th, at 1PM EST, and will benefit The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

“Every now and then the poker community has the chance to rally around something that’s bigger and more important than the game we all love,” said UB Cardroom Consultant, Annie Duke. “Second Sundays is one of those opportunities and I can’t think of two charities more deserving than the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program, and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.”

 

Register now for May’s Second Sunday event by logging onto UB.com or AbsolutePoker.com and look for the event in the tournament lobby titled “Intrepid Fallen Heroes.” 

For more information on Second Sundays visit http://www.ub.com/poker-promotion/second-sunday/, or http://www.absolutepoker.com/promotions/second-sundays/.

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

New US Ladies Poker Championship Featuring LIVE Webcast to Millions of Viewers

Poker rooms are encouraged to host qualifying events and take advantage of branding opportunities at new LIVE webcast poker competition featuring women poker players.

The Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS) has introduced the US Ladies Poker Championship (USLPC) - an elite woman’s title event featuring worldwide LIVE webcast. The two-day USLPC will take place Labor Day weekend, September 4-5, 2010, inside the Golden Nugget Casino Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas.

The demographic of women poker players continues to grow, yet it still comprises less than five percent of the playing field in most major tournaments. To date, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Ladies Championship is the only major poker championship highlighting women. The USLPC, spearheaded by LIPS founder Lupe Soto, is positioned to become the premier event for women poker players.

The USLPC format allows for both online and land-based poker rooms to host satellites in order to send qualifying players on their behalf. If the winner of the USLPC is also a representative, two trophies will be presented - one for the individual winner and one for her host poker room. The host poker room would also receive worldwide publicity and a guest appearance by a celebrity or prominent poker player for promotional purposes. 

“Currently, Poker Stars and Victory Poker have committed to running online satellites,” stated Soto. “California casinos Bay 101, Bicycle, Phoenix, and Ocean's 11, along with Nevada casinos Golden Nugget and Peppermill, have agreed to participate. Word has spread like wildfire, and promotions haven’t officially started,” she added.

The first USLPC Mega Satellite will be held on Sunday June 13th at 4PM at the Golden Nugget Casino. The $150 + $25 buy-in will award one $1,500 package for every ten players entered. The package includes a $500 + $50 buy-in to the 2010 USLPC, three nights hotel accommodations at the Gold Nugget Casino, $650 towards travel expenses, and entry to the prestigious 2010 Women in Poker Hall of Fame Banquet and Ceremony.*

Restrictions apply - Golden Nugget accommodations valid September 3-5, 2010 only. Visit http://www.usladiespoker.com for details, satellite information, and schedule of events.

About the US Ladies Poker Championship (USLPC)
In its inaugural year, the USLPC is the first major “stand alone” poker tournament for women. The two-day event will be broadcast LIVE on the internet for worldwide viewership. Casino and online poker rooms are encouraged to host satellites to qualify women representatives. The US Ladies Poker Championship is a division of Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS).