Strip Poker: Charity Tourney Attracts Country Stars

In this "Strip Poker" series, Card Player covers the Las Vegas poker scene - on The Strip and around the city.

The Las Vegas Hilton took advantage of having country
music celebrities and bull riding superstars in town yesterday for National Finals Rodeo Week by hosting a charity poker tournament to benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation.

The field boasted nearly just as many celebrities as fans who showed up in support of the organization. After a media reception and silent auction, the tournament kicked off with host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, Robin Leach. He told the audience the story behind the T.J. Martell Foundation.

Tony Martell, a music industry executive, started the foundation 32 years ago to raise $1 million dollars for lifesaving leukemia research that helped his son, T.J., reach his 19th birthday, two years past his initial prognosis. The goal of $1 million has been well surpassed, as the foundation has raised more than $225 million to fund research centers and treatments for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS.

"This is remarkable work, by a remarkable man, and by a remarkable group of people who are eternally grateful of the support of the record industry and country music stars that have made this possible," said Leach in his speech.

In line with the foundation's slogan, "Where music brings hope," a slew of music celebrities competed in the $500 buy-in no-limit hold'em rebuy tournament. One of them was Buddy Jewell, winner of the first Nashville Star show. He was all in in the first three minutes, as announced by Mark Fracalossi, tournament director of the event.

"That means one of two things: He either has a really good hand, or he's got a lot of money in his pocket," Fracalossi told the roomful of people over the loudspeakers. Jewell survived his all in against Grammy Award-winner Charlie Pride.

"I don't play poker that much. I know very little about Texas hold'em, but it is for such a good cause," said Pride.

The music legend is used to making big hits, since he has had 36 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and despite not knowing much about poker, he made a big hit in the tournament, as well, finishing third. Brice Long, Tracy Byrd, and Luke Bryan, who finished fifth, were also among the country music industry's elite to play.

Also making appearances at the event were a number of rodeo pros, like Britt Bockius, and Justin McBride, two-time winner of the PBR's Built Ford Tough Series tour. McBride set the record this year for most BFTS events won in a single season.

"It was a great experience, but this guy sitting at my table robbed me!" McBride said after being eliminated. "I still had a great time being here with everyone involved. The other celebrities and music stars here that I've met over the years through what I do are a bunch of great guys."

When asked which was harder, bull riding or poker, McBride smiled and said, "Poker! It takes way longer to learn than bull riding."

The two top finishers were Travis Hamlin and Carlos Reyes, who decided to chop. They donated a large portion of their winnings back to the charity, as did a number of the contestants who finished in the money.

With the auction and tournament combined, thousands of dollars were raised for the cause at hand.

"This is the first time we have had a tournament during rodeo week, and we are just thrilled to be here. Every little bit of money raised helps, because it is vital for us to continue," said Laura Heatherly, executive director of the T.J. Martell Foundation.

For more information on the foundation, click here.

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